Dubai: A disciplined bowling performance by India saw Pakistan bowled out for 241 in 49.4 overs in their Champions Trophy 2025 group-stage clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Mohammed Shami had an erratic start, conceding five wides in the first over—the second-most in the opening over of a Champions Trophy innings, behind Tinashe Panyangara’s seven against England in 2004. However, India's seamers found significant movement early on, swinging the ball 50 per cent more in the first seven overs than any other team in this edition.
Pakistan’s innings began cautiously, with Babar Azam (23 off 26) and Imam-ul-Haq (10 off 26) struggling to find fluency. Hardik Pandya provided the breakthrough, drawing an edge from Babar to KL Rahul, before a sharp direct hit from Axar Patel ran out Imam, leaving Pakistan at 47/2.
Saud Shakeel (62 off 76) and Mohammad Rizwan (46 off 77) attempted to rebuild with a 104-run partnership, but their inability to accelerate put Pakistan on the back foot. Rizwan’s struggles against spin continued as Axar bowled him while attempting to step out, and soon after, Shakeel fell to Pandya, leaving Pakistan in trouble.
A middle-order collapse followed as Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav tightened the noose. Tayyab Tahir (4), Salman Agha (19), and Shaheen Afridi (0) perished quickly, preventing any meaningful partnerships. Kuldeep was the pick of the bowlers with 3/40, dismissing Naseem Shah, while Hardik Pandya claimed two wickets. Harshit Rana and Jadeja chipped in with a wicket each, and Haris Rauf’s late run-out further dented Pakistan’s total.
Khushdil Shah (38 off 39) provided some resistance, ensuring Pakistan crossed the 240-run mark. However, the batting effort lacked momentum, as indicated by Pakistan’s 65.4 per cent dot-ball percentage in the first 20 overs—the second-highest in the tournament after Afghanistan.
In a significant milestone, Virat Kohli surpassed Mohammad Azharuddin to become India's all-time leading fielder in ODIs with 157 catches. Kuldeep Yadav, meanwhile, continued his dominance over Pakistan, taking his 15th wicket against them at an average of 14.00 and a strike rate of 21.6.
With a target of 242, India will aim to chase down the total on a sluggish pitch that has exhibited variable bounce and turn. The approach of India’s top order will be crucial in determining the outcome of the contest.
