NEW DELHI: Weighed down by injuries to key players, Pakistan battled through a fluctuating innings to reach 241 all out in 50 overs against India in their high-octane ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
With Imam-ul-Haq, the replacement for injured Fakhar Zaman, and Babar Azam returning to the pavilion early, the onus of salvaging the innings mounted on the shoulders of Saud Shakeel and skipper Mohammad Rizwan.
As they led the fightback, Pakistan were able to ensure a fighting total on the board.
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Opting to bat first, Pakistan’s start was far from ideal. Babar Azam (23 off 26) looked promising but fell to Hardik Pandya in the ninth over, edging one to KL Rahul.
Imam-ul-Haq departed soon after, run out for just 10 off 26, leaving Pakistan at 47/2 before the end of the first powerplay.
The turning point came through a vital 104-run stand between Shakeel and Rizwan.
The southpaw played a steady hand, scoring 62 off 76, showing remarkable composure against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
Rizwan, on the other hand, provided much-needed stability, making 46 off 77 before being cleaned up by Axar Patel in the 35th over.
However, India clawed back quickly after breaking the partnership. Shakeel soon followed, caught by Axar off Hardik Pandya, and Tayyab Tahir (4) couldn’t make an impact, falling to Ravindra Jadeja.
The wickets continued to tumble as Salman Agha (19) and Shaheen Afridi (0) fell in quick succession, leaving Pakistan reeling at 200/7 in the 43rd over.
Sublime power-hitting from Khushdil Shah (38 off 39) and a couple of cameos from the lower order lifted Pakistan to a modest total of 241.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) and Hardik Pandya (2/31) were the standout bowlers, while Harshit Rana, Axar and Jadeja chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
For the second time on the trot, India will have to chase the target for securing a victory in this mega encounter and booking their berth in the tournament’s semi-finals.
