Champions Trophy: India restricts Pakistan to 241 in High-Intensity Clash

DUBAI: India’s disciplined bowling attack dismissed Pakistan for 241 in the fifth match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan, after opting to bat first, had a steady start with Babar Azam (23) and Imam-ul-Haq (10) forming a 41-run opening stand. However, their resistance was short-lived as Hardik Pandya removed Babar, while Imam fell to a run-out within six balls, leaving Pakistan struggling at 47-2 in 9.2 overs.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel then anchored the innings, stitching together a crucial 104-run partnership for the third wicket off 144 balls. Just as Pakistan looked to accelerate, India struck back with quick breakthroughs, reducing them to 159-4 inside 25 overs. Rizwan, after a sluggish 46 off 77 balls (three fours), was bowled by Axar Patel, while Saud, who fought hard for his 62 off 76 balls (five boundaries), fell to Pandya.

Ravindra Jadeja further dented Pakistan’s hopes by dismissing Tayyab Tahir (4), but Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah contributed a 35-run stand for the sixth wicket to push the total forward. However, Kuldeep Yadav halted their progress by dismissing Salman (19) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (0) on consecutive deliveries.

Khushdil Shah provided some late fireworks, scoring 38 off 39 balls, including two sixes, before Harshit Rana ended his innings in the final over, wrapping up Pakistan’s total at 241.

For India, Kuldeep Yadav starred with three wickets, while Hardik Pandya took two. Harshit Rana, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with one wicket each, ensuring India finished the innings on a strong note.