Images/credits @JioHotstar
In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A clash between Pakistan and India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Pakistan struggled to build momentum after choosing to bat first in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against India. The Indian bowlers kept things tight, making it difficult for Pakistan
Pakistan’s innings got Stuck, as early wickets put them on the defensive right from the beginning
Mohammad Rizwan, a key player for Pakistan, tried to stabilize the innings alongside Saud Shakeel after early wickets. The duo built a partnership, but it didn’t hold on it to make a significant impact.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapses as India’s Bowlers Take Control
Babar Azam provided a promising start, but he failed to convert it into a big score, leaving Pakistan searching for stability. The top-order struggled, and things went from bad to worse when Imam-ul-Haq was run out in unfortunate fashion. Calling for a risky single, Imam hesitated, and Axar Patel’s pinpoint direct hit at the striker’s end left him well short of the crease. With that, Pakistan found themselves at 48 for 2, in desperate need of a recovery.
That responsibility fell on the shoulders of Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, who put up a crucial partnership to rebuild Pakistan’s innings. Rizwan, a key figure in the lineup, played cautiously, while Shakeel looked fluent at the crease. However, just as they looked set to take Pakistan towards a competitive total, India struck back. Axar Patel bowled Rizwan with a beauty, breaking the stand, and soon after, Saud Shakeel’s fighting knock came to an end as Pakistan’s innings unraveled once again.
The lower order offered little resistance, with batters coming in and walking back in quick succession. India’s bowling attack, despite missing Jasprit Bumrah, was relentless. Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav proved to be a nightmare for the Pakistani batters, Maintaining control with disciplined bowling and crucial strikes.
