In a crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 encounter, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered under India’s disciplined bowling attack, resulting in a significant number of dot balls that hindered their scoring rate.
Facing a target of 321 against New Zealand in their tournament opener, Pakistan had already encountered a similar challenge, accumulating 161 dot balls. In the high-stakes match against arch-rivals India, the situation remained the same as they faced 147 dot balls, underscoring the persistent pressure from India’s bowlers.
Despite a challenging 11-ball over from India’s Mohammed Shami, which included five wides, Pakistan’s batsmen struggled to capitalize, played 28 dot balls in the first six overs. The situation deteriorated further as, within the first 26 overs, Pakistan faced an astonishing 100 dot balls, highlighting the precision and fielding excellence of the Indian team.
Strategic field placements effectively curtailed Mohammad Rizwan’s sweep shots, and while the pitch was not two-paced, it appeared slightly slow, contrasting with the ease with which Indian batsmen accumulated runs.
A notable period occurred between overs 15.1 and 24.2, during which no boundaries were scored. Saud Shakeel ended this dry spell with a paddle shot over the wicketkeeper’s head for a four off Axar Patel after 32 balls.
Ultimately, Pakistan was bowled out in the 50th over, including four dot balls, concluding their innings at 241. This performance mirrored their earlier match against New Zealand, where they faced 161 dot balls while chasing a daunting target of 320.
As India progressed towards the target, the defending champions’ hopes of advancing to the semi-finals were dashed, marking a significant setback in their tournament campaign.
