Champions Trophy: It's Pakistan versus West Indies for the last spot

Published July 13, 2015
Pakistan will need to win their ODI series in Sri Lanka before they can look forward to the West Indies challenge. — AFP
Pakistan will need to win their ODI series in Sri Lanka before they can look forward to the West Indies challenge. — AFP

Bangladesh beat South Africa by seven wickets in Mirpur on Sunday to level the three-match ODI series at 1-1 and secure qualification to the 2017 Champions Trophy.

The result in Bangladesh now means the battle for the final spot in the eight-team tournament is squarely between Pakistan and West Indies.

Even if Bangladesh lose their third and final ODI against South Africa, it is no longer possible for both Pakistan and West Indies to pass their points tally before the September cut-off date.

Azhar Ali's Pakistan side are current playing a five-match series in Sri Lanka and they will meet the West Indies in a tri-series also featuring hosts Zimbabwe in August and September.

Pakistan will need to ensure they come out on top in Sri Lanka to keep their Champions Trophy hopes alive before they look too far ahead though.

Pakistan have played in all editions of the Champions Trophy since the tournament's inception in 1998. It is an ICC event they are yet to win, having made it to the semi-finals in 2000, 2004 and 2009.

Australia and India are two most successful teams in the Champions Trophy with two title wins each.

Teams qualified for the 2017 Champions Trophy:

England (hosts), South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka India, Bangladesh, New Zealand

Battle for the final spot:

West Indies vs Pakistan

Champions Trophy throwback: Afridi wins it against India

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