The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 took place at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai. The first innings witnessed a mix of resilient batting, disciplined bowling, and milestone achievements, making it a gripping contest.
Pakistan’s Innings: A Tale of Starts and Stumbles
Pakistan’s Cautious Start
After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first, hoping to set a competitive total against a strong Indian bowling lineup. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam started cautiously, negotiating the new ball with care. However, India’s pacers kept the pressure on with disciplined lines and lengths.
- Imam-ul-Haq (10 off 26) fell victim to a brilliant run-out by Axar Patel in the 10th over, giving India an early breakthrough.
- Babar Azam (23 off 26) looked set before Hardik Pandya dismissed him, as KL Rahul took a sharp catch behind the stumps.
Middle Order Resistance
Pakistan’s middle order put up a fight, with Saud Shakeel (62 off 76) and Mohammad Rizwan (46 off 77) stitching a crucial partnership to stabilize the innings. However, India struck back at the right moments:
- Rizwan was bowled by Axar Patel in the 34th over, breaking a steady partnership.
- Saud Shakeel’s innings came to an end at 159/4, caught by Axar off Hardik Pandya’s delivery.
Lower Order Contributions & Collapse
Pakistan was looking to accelerate in the death overs, but India’s bowlers kept striking at crucial moments:
- Tayyab Tahir (4 off 6) was bowled by Ravindra Jadeja, adding to Pakistan’s woes.
- Khushdil Shah (38 off 39) played a fighting knock, but was eventually caught by Virat Kohli off Harshit Rana’s bowling.
- Shaheen Afridi departed for a golden duck, as Pakistan struggled to finish strongly.
Eventually, Pakistan was bowled out for 241 in 49.4 overs, setting India a target of 242.
Bowling Highlights – India’s Disciplined Attack
India’s bowlers put up a solid performance, ensuring Pakistan never ran away with the game.
✅ Hardik Pandya reached the milestone of 200 international wickets, with a crucial spell in the middle overs.
✅ Kuldeep Yadav completed 300 international wickets, adding another feather to his cap.
✅ Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Harshit Rana picked up key wickets, maintaining control throughout the innings.
Kohli’s Historic Achievement
During the innings, Virat Kohli set a new record by becoming the player with the most catches in ODI history for India, further proving his legendary stature in the game.
Pakistan’s Final Score: 241/10 in 49.4 Overs
The total of 241 might not be the most daunting, but given the nature of the pitch and the pressure of an India-Pakistan clash, it sets up an exciting chase.
What’s Next? India’s Chase Awaits!
With a target of 242, all eyes will now be on India’s batting lineup. Can Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill guide India to victory, or will Pakistan’s bowlers pull off a stunning defense?
Stay tuned for the second innings report!
Also Read: Australia Clinches Thrilling Victory Over England in Champions Trophy 2025
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