India Restricts Pakistan To 241 In Champions Trophy Blockbuster
DUBAI: A collective bowling display enabled India to restrict Pakistan to a modest total in the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Electing to bat first, the home side managed to post 241 runs before being dismissed in the final over, despite a stabilizing half-century from Saud Shakeel.
Pakistan’s new opening duo, Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, started confidently, putting together a 41-run stand before Hardik Pandya provided India with a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Babar, who edged one behind after scoring 23 off 26 balls, including five boundaries.
Returning to the national side, Imam-ul-Haq couldn’t convert his cautious start into a significant contribution and fell victim to a run-out by Axar Patel in the following over, leaving Pakistan at 47/2 in 9.2 overs.
In an attempt to rebuild, captain Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel stitched together a vital 104-run partnership for the third wicket. However, Rizwan’s innings came to an end when Axar Patel bowled him in the 34th over. The Pakistan skipper managed 46 runs off 77 balls, hitting three fours.
Just eight deliveries later, Saud also departed after top-scoring for his side with 62 off 76 balls, including five boundaries.
Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja then further strengthened India’s grip on the game, dismissing Tayyab Tahir for four and reducing Pakistan to 165/5 in 36.1 overs.
Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah attempted to steer the innings with a 35-run stand, helping their side cross the 200-run mark. However, Kuldeep Yadav derailed Pakistan’s momentum by striking twice in consecutive deliveries.
Khushdil, showing some resistance, scored 38 off 39 balls with two fours, while also sharing brief stands with Naseem Shah (14) and Haris Rauf (8).
Kuldeep Yadav led India’s bowling attack with three wickets, followed by Pandya with two. Harshit Rana, Jadeja, and Patel chipped in with one wicket each.
