India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

Indian Innings Key Moments

Pakistan started well, reaching 52 for 2 in 10 overs. However, the next 14 overs yielded only 42 runs. Mohammad Rizwan faced 45 balls in this phase, scoring just 16 runs. He played 29 dot balls and hit no boundaries then. Urooj Mumtaz blamed Rizwan’s cautious approach for the slowdown. His strike rate of 59 (46 off 77) drew heavy criticism. Saud Shakeel scored 62 but couldn’t accelerate either.

The pair’s 104-run stand took 144 balls, lacking intent. It was too late for Rizwan’s first boundary to come off his 49th ball. This period allowed India to seize control with tight bowling. Pakistan’s inability to rotate strike piled pressure on the middle order. Their momentum stalled, setting a below-par 241. India exploited this, chasing comfortably. Pakistan’s middle-over inertia was a turning point.

Rizwan’s Captaincy and Batting Under Fire

Mohammad Rizwan’s 46 off 77 balls faced scrutiny after Pakistan’s loss. As captain, he scored slowly, managing a strike rate of 59. He hit just three boundaries in his innings. His 29 dot balls in overs 11-24 crippled Pakistan’s momentum. Urooj Mumtaz called out his lack of strike rotation. Rizwan admitted post-match that Pakistan’s tournament hopes were nearly over. He lamented relying on other teams’ results was a recurring issue.

His dismissal, bowled by Axar Patel in the 34th over, sparked a collapse. Rizwan accepted the team made repeated mistakes across departments. He aimed for 270-280, but poor shot selection hurt them. Critics noted his failure to lead aggressively when Babar Azam faltered. Pakistan’s batting relied on him, yet he couldn’t deliver. His captaincy showed bravery was lacking.

India’s Bowling Dominance

India’s bowlers dismantled Pakistan, restricting them to 241 in 49.4 overs. Kuldeep Yadav took 3 for 40, excelling in the death overs. His wristspin troubled Pakistan, claiming key wickets late. Hardik Pandya’s 2 for 31 included dismissing Babar Azam early. Pandya varied pace, exploiting the pitch’s grip effectively. Harshit Rana’s slower balls stifled Pakistan’s tail, finishing them off. Pakistan were 151 for 2 but lost 7 wickets for 90 runs.

India’s discipline denied Pakistan a late surge. Kuldeep and Pandya’s efforts turned a competitive total into a modest one. Pakistan’s collapse from 165 for 5 highlighted India’s control. Shaheen Afridi’s early strike wasn’t capitalized on by Pakistan. India’s bowling attack outclassed Pakistan’s batting. This set up an easy chase for Kohli and co.

Kohli’s Masterclass in the Chase

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100* off 111 balls sealed India’s six-wicket win. He reached 14,000 ODI runs with a crisp cover drive. His 51st ODI century came off the match’s last ball. Kohli started cautiously, scoring 50 off 62 balls with three boundaries. He then accelerated, finishing with 7 fours at a strike rate 90. Shubman Gill’s 46 provided early momentum before Abrar Ahmed dismissed him.

Kohli’s 100-run stand with Shreyas Iyer (56) broke Pakistan’s resistance. Pakistan’s pace attack couldn’t unsettle him, feeding his strength. A review against him in the 40th over failed, boosting his confidence. Kohli’s composure ensured India chased 242 with ease. The Dubai crowd chanted his name as he clinched victory. His innings knocked Pakistan out of contention.

Pakistan’s Tactical and Selection Woes

Pakistan’s loss exposed tactical errors and selection limitations. Missing Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman hurt their batting aggression. Imam-ul-Haq’s run-out and Babar Azam’s early exit left them vulnerable. Rizwan noted Ayub’s absence also weakened their spin options. Pakistan fielded only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, who bowled well. However, Rizwan defended not picking another, citing balance issues. With five bowlers, batting depth would suffer, he argued. India and New Zealand used allrounders like Jadeja and Santner effectively.

Pakistan relied on part-timers like Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah. Their bowling couldn’t contain India’s chase after early breakthroughs. Shaheen Afridi took 2 for 74 but lacked support. Fielding errors compounded their woes and lack of energy. Rizwan admitted mistakes in all departments cost them. Pakistan’s planning faltered against India’s adaptability. This reflected deeper issues in squad composition.

Implications for Pakistan’s Campaign

Pakistan’s six-wicket defeat left their Champions Trophy defense in tatters. After losing to New Zealand earlier, they needed this win. Now, they rely on Bangladesh to beat New Zealand and other results. Rizwan admitted, “For now, it is over.” A third straight ICC white-ball tournament exit looms. Their 241 was insufficient on a decent pitch under lights. India’s chase showed Pakistan’s total was 30-40 runs short.

Rizwan targeted 280, but mistakes derailed them. New Zealand’s next game could confirm Pakistan’s elimination. Their slide feels terminal, as critics noted. Rizwan’s frustration at depending on others was apparent. Pakistan’s repeated errors in recent losses haunted them again. India and New Zealand outplayed them with stronger cricket. Pakistan’s hopes now rest on miracles, not merit.

Conclusion

India’s comprehensive victory over Pakistan in Dubai on February 23, 2025, underscored stark contrasts between the teams. Pakistan’s 241, built on Shakeel’s 62 and Rizwan’s sluggish 46, crumbled under a middle-over slump, scoring 42 runs in 14 overs. India’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep and Pandya, capitalized, triggering a late collapse. In reply, Kohli’s unbeaten 100 and Iyer’s 56 made 242 look routine, knocking Pakistan to the brink of elimination. Rizwan’s 29 dot balls and lack of aggression drew justified flak from Urooj Mumtaz, highlighting captaincy flaws.

Pakistan’s tactical missteps and selection constraints further exposed their vulnerabilities. Following a defeat to New Zealand, this loss leaves the defending champions reliant on improbable outcomes to reach the semi-finals. India’s dominance, fueled by Kohli’s brilliance, reaffirmed their superiority in this rivalry. For Pakistan, it’s a sobering reflection of a slow decline, with challenging questions awaiting a team unable to correct old mistakes.