Cricket Highlights, Feb 23: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (5th Match) – Pakistan vs India

PAK vs IND (5th Match) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling encounter between arch-rivals IND and PAK in the 5th match of Group A at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. This much-anticipated clash lived up to its billing, delivering moments of high drama and exceptional cricket. India successfully chased down Pakistan’s total of 241 runs, securing a commanding 6-wicket victory with 45 balls to spare. The win not only reinforced India’s dominance in the group stage but also showcased their batting depth and composure under pressure.

PAK, after winning the toss and electing to bat, struggled to build momentum despite some promising starts. The innings began with Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam attempting to lay a solid foundation. However, Babar Azam (23 off 26) fell to Hardik Pandya, caught behind by KL Rahul, leaving Pakistan at 41/1. Imam-ul-Haq’s slow knock of 10 from 26 balls ended shortly after through a brilliant run-out by Axar Patel, putting Pakistan under pressure.

The middle-order, however, offered some resistance. Saud Shakeel played a well-crafted innings of 62 off 76 balls, stabilizing the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, who contributed a gritty 46 off 77 balls. Their 104-run partnership for the third wicket provided Pakistan with a crucial platform, but Axar Patel broke the stand by dismissing Rizwan, leading to a collapse. 

Despite a quick 38 off 39 balls from Khushdil Shah, Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3/40 in his 9 overs, including crucial dismissals of Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah. Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 241 in 49.4 overs.

Chasing 242, India got off to a brisk start despite losing Rohit Sharma (20 off 15) to Shaheen Afridi. Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli then anchored the innings with a 69-run partnership, guiding India to a stable position before Gill (46 off 52) was bowled by Abrar Ahmed. Kohli, in sublime form, played a masterclass innings, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 111 balls, mixing caution with aggression to keep the scoreboard ticking. 

Shreyas Iyer also played a vital role with a 56 off 67 balls, ensuring India remained in control. Although Hardik Pandya fell cheaply for 8 runs, India’s victory was never in doubt as Axar Patel joined Kohli to guide the team home at 244/4 in 42.3 overs.

Shaheen Afridi (2/74) was the only bowler who posed a consistent threat but was expensive. Abrar Ahmed (1/28) was the most economical, while Khushdil Shah (1/43) chipped in with a wicket. However, India’s clinical chase, powered by Kohli’s brilliance, sealed a comfortable victory, strengthening their position in Group A and further intensifying the historic rivalry between the two cricketing giants.

Pakistan vs India Scoreboard

Pakistan – 241 (49.4/50)

India – 244/4 (42.3/50)

Result – India won by 6 wickets (with 45 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Virat Kohli

PAK vs IND Playing XIs

Pakistan

Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(C)(WK), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

India

Rohit Sharma(C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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