NEW DELHI: Weighed down by accidents to key gamers, Pakistan battled via a fluctuating innings to achieve 241 all out in 50 overs towards India of their high-octane ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A conflict on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
With Imam-ul-Haq, the alternative 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 had been in a position to make sure a combating whole on the board.
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Opting to bat first, Pakistan’s begin was removed from preferrred. Babar Azam (23 off 26) regarded promising however fell to Hardik Pandya within the ninth over, edging one to KL Rahul.
Imam-ul-Haq departed quickly after, run out for simply 10 off 26, leaving Pakistan at 47/2 earlier than the tip of the primary powerplay.
The turning level got here via a significant 104-run stand between Shakeel and Rizwan.
The southpaw performed a gentle hand, scoring 62 off 76, exhibiting outstanding composure towards India’s disciplined bowling assault.
Rizwan, alternatively, offered much-needed stability, making 46 off 77 earlier than being cleaned up by Axar Patel within the 35th over.
Nonetheless, India clawed again shortly after breaking the partnership. Shakeel quickly adopted, caught by Axar off Hardik Pandya, and Tayyab Tahir (4) couldn’t make an influence, falling to Ravindra Jadeja.
The wickets continued to tumble as Salman Agha (19) and Shaheen Afridi (0) fell in fast succession, leaving Pakistan reeling at 200/7 within the 43rd over.
Elegant power-hitting from Khushdil Shah (38 off 39) and a few cameos from the decrease order lifted Pakistan to a modest whole of 241.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) and Hardik Pandya (2/31) had been the standout bowlers, whereas Harshit Rana, Axar and Jadeja chipped in with essential breakthroughs.
For the second time on the trot, India should chase the goal for securing a victory on this mega encounter and reserving their berth within the match’s semi-finals.
