India and Pakistan gear up for their much-anticipated clash in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. Both sides locked horns at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. The clash began with Pakistan coming in to bat first, and the side was immediately put under pressure through the Indian team’s brilliance with the ball.
After Hardik Pandya sent star batter Babar Azam packing for just 23 runs, the onus fell onto Saud Shakeel and Imam-ul-Haq's shoulders. However, through yet another excellent moment by the Men in Blue in the field, Pakistan lost yet another wicket.
In the 10th over of the first innings, star India all-rounder Axar Patel pulled off an excellent direct hit run out, which saw Imam-ul-Haq depart on a score of 10 runs in 26 deliveries. Coming into the bowling attack, Kuldeep Yadav bowled a full-length delivery to Imam, which the batter drove onto mid-on. Keen to show intent, Imam hoped for a single. However, Axar Patel’s excellent moment in the field and a direct run-out saw Pakistan lose their second wicket of the game.
It is worth noting that the Champions Trophy 2025 has been a forgettable tournament for hosts Pakistan so far. The side took on New Zealand in their first game of the tournament, where they sustained a hefty loss. On the other hand, the Indian team kicked off their Champions Trophy campaign with a brilliant win.
The side took on Bangladesh in their first game of the competition, and through a fifer by Mohammed Shami and Shubman Gill’s century, the Men in Blue got off to a good start to their campaign. Furthermore, with a good start to the clash against Pakistan, India will hope to limit the Men in Green to a subpar total, and register their second win of the competition.