IND vs PAK Live Update | Pakistan’s Lack of Intent Hurting Their Innings Against India in Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan’s much-anticipated clash against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been anything but explosive so far, as their batting lineup has struggled to gain momentum. After winning the toss and opting to bat first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan found themselves in a sluggish start, showing little intent against India’s disciplined bowling attack. At the 21-over mark, Pakistan had crawled to 82 for 2, with Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel at the crease, but their approach has left fans and analysts questioning the strategy.

Rizwan’s Defensive Mindset Holding Pakistan Back

Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has remained unbeaten on 15 off 39 deliveries, striking at a mere 38.46. His ultra-defensive approach has been one of the key talking points of the innings, as he has struggled to rotate the strike or find the gaps. While Rizwan is known for his ability to anchor an innings, his lack of aggression in this high-stakes match is putting immense pressure on the middle order.

Saud Shakeel, on the other hand, has looked slightly more positive, scoring 21 off 35 balls with a strike rate of 60. However, with the required acceleration missing from both ends, Pakistan’s innings is stagnating, making it easier for the Indian bowlers to tighten their grip.

Pakistan’s Batting Struggles in the First Powerplay

The early signs of trouble started in the powerplay when Pakistan could only muster 52 runs in the first ten overs. After a steady start, Babar Azam was dismissed for 23 off 26 balls, caught behind off Hardik Pandya in the 9th over. Soon after, Imam-ul-Haq was run out for a scratchy 10 off 26 deliveries, leaving Pakistan at 47 for 2 in the 10th over.

The fall of wickets should have been an opportunity for Rizwan to take charge, but instead, he went into a defensive shell. His inability to push singles and his reluctance to take risks have made it easy for India to maintain control. The last five overs saw just 12 runs being added to the total, highlighting Pakistan’s lack of attacking intent.

Indian Bowlers Dominate with Disciplined Line and Length

India’s bowlers have been spot on with their execution, keeping the Pakistani batters under pressure with tight lines and variations in pace. Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, and Harshit Rana have been exceptional, giving away little room for stroke play. Shami has been particularly effective, conceding just 18 runs in his five overs. Hardik Pandya’s ability to extract bounce from the surface led to Babar’s downfall, while Harshit Rana has kept things in check with his disciplined spell of 5-0-19-0.

The spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel has also made scoring difficult. Kuldeep, in particular, has kept the batters guessing with his variations, conceding only seven runs in his two overs so far.

A Worrying Pattern in Pakistan’s Batting Approach

Pakistan’s slow and cautious approach in crucial matches has been a repeated issue in recent years. Rizwan’s innings today mirrors several past instances where he has been criticized for consuming too many deliveries without accelerating. While he may be looking to anchor the innings, the lack of rotation of strike is only building pressure on the remaining batters.

With power-hitters like Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, and Khushdil Shah yet to bat, Pakistan will need a significant shift in momentum if they are to post a competitive total. However, the lack of partnerships and intent so far suggests that they might be setting themselves up for an underwhelming first-innings score.

What Lies Ahead for Pakistan?

As the innings progresses, Pakistan desperately needs a gear shift. Rizwan will have to break free from his defensive mindset and start finding the gaps, while Shakeel must look to play a more attacking role. With 29 overs still to go, a lot will depend on how the middle order handles the pressure.

India, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on this slow start and push Pakistan further into a corner. If their bowlers continue to apply the squeeze, Pakistan might find themselves in serious trouble heading into the final phase of their innings.

The next few overs will be crucial in determining whether Pakistan can salvage their innings or if India will tighten their hold on this high-voltage encounter.