Pakistan’s batting firepower has faltered again as they set a modest target of 242 runs against India with Saud Shakeel only batter to score a half-century in the do-or-die clash for their side in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being played at Dubai Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
With the cricket fever at its highest, Pakistan are batting first against their arch-rivals, India, after winning the toss in the high-stakes Champions Trophy showdown at the Dubai Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan scored 241 in 49.4 overs as they struggled to set a competitive target against India.
Kuldeep Yadav struck again as he sent off Naseem Shah (14) in 46th over.
Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil failed to build a partnership as the vice-caption was ousted by Kuldeep for 19 runs.
On the very next delivery, Kuldeep removed Shaheen Shah Afridi.
After Pakistan lost their openers, Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistani skipper Mohammad Rizwan joined Saud Shakeel at the crease.
Shakeel hit a half-century while Rizwan got out before completing his fifty. Tayyab Tahir fell prey to Ravindra Jadeja for just four runs.
Indian bowlers Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav struck to make a breakthrough for India just when the Men in Green looked to have gained a bit of stability.
Speaking at the toss, Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan expressed confidence in his team’s performance.
Noting that the players were familiar with the conditions in Dubai, Rizwan said that the team would put up a good total on the scoreboard and added that the pitch might be slow in today’s fixture with dew expected to come into play in the evening.
The skipper further confirmed the inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq in the team who has replaced injured Fakhar Zaman.
Meanwhile, Indian captain Rohit Sharma said that he would’ve also opted to bowl first.
Commenting on the conditions, Sharma pointed out that today’s pitch was similar to the previous match.
Playing XI
Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubhman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Pavindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav.
