The much-anticipated conflict between arch-rivals India and Pakistan within the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 noticed early fireworks as Hardik Pandya dismissed Pakistan opener Babar Azam within the eighth over on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium. Pakistan, having gained the toss and opting to bat first, bought off to a promising begin earlier than Hardik’s essential breakthrough halted their momentum.
Hardik Pandya offers Pakistan early blow in type of Babar Azam
The defining second got here on the second ball of the eighth over, when Pandya bowled a supply that was pitched barely quick and outdoors off. Babar, seemingly trying to play a canopy drive, mistimed his shot and bought an edge. Wicketkeeper KL Rahul made no mistake, shifting swiftly to his proper to take a pointy low catch. The Indian all-rounder celebrated the dismissal with a cheeky ‘bye-bye’ send-off, underlining the depth of the rivalry.
Babar, who had seemed in tremendous contact with a 23-run knock off 26 balls, together with 5 boundaries, was visibly upset as he walked again to the pavilion. His departure put Pakistan at 41/1 in 8.2 overs, shifting the stress onto the center order.
Following Babar’s dismissal, Pakistan’s innings slowed down as one other opener, Imam-ul-Haq, too departed quickly. He bought run out by a direct-hit on the stumps by Axar Patel.
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Pakistan underneath stress after dropping each their openers
With Pakistan at 63/2 after 15 overs, the sport is delicately poised. A lot will rely upon Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, who might want to construct a gentle partnership. Alternatively, India will likely be desirous to capitalize on the early breakthrough and push for extra wickets to keep up their dominance within the high-stakes encounter.
Keep tuned for extra updates because the IND vs PAK Champions Trophy 2025 showdown continues!
