Pakistan struggle to 241 against India in must-win Champions Trophy clash

Pakistan's national cricket team faces an uphill battle after setting a modest target of 242 runs against arch-rival India on Sunday in the ICC Champions Trophy, with the team's tournament hopes hanging in the balance.

The high-stakes encounter at Dubai International Stadium saw Pakistan's batting lineup battle against India's disciplined bowling attack, reaching 241 runs before being dismissed in the final over.

The total puts additional pressure on Pakistan's world-class bowling attack, which must now defend a challenging target to keep the team's tournament hopes alive following their opening loss to New Zealand.

Left-handed batter Saud Shakeel provided a glimmer of hope with a determined 62 runs, while captain Mohammad Rizwan contributed a patient 46 runs. The pair constructed a valuable 104-run partnership that briefly promised a larger total before both fell at crucial moments.

Early in the innings, former captain Babar Azam looked in fine touch, striking five boundaries in his 23-run cameo before falling to Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Late-order batter Khushdil Shah added much-needed momentum with an aggressive 38 runs, including two sixes.

India's Hardik Pandya (C) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan's Babar Azam in Dubai on February 23, 2025. AFP

The match, being played in Dubai rather than Pakistan despite the latter being the official tournament host, represents another chapter in cricket's most watched rivalry. India declined to travel to Pakistan for their Champions Trophy matches, citing government advice, resulting in their matches being relocated to the UAE.

Pakistan's bowling attack, led by pace spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, will need to exploit a pitch that showed signs of supporting spin during the first innings. The surface appeared to slow down as the game progressed, potentially offering some advantage to Pakistan's bowlers.

The defending total of 242 runs, while below the ground's average winning score of 258, could prove competitive on a wearing surface. India, fresh off a victory against Bangladesh in their opening match, would virtually secure a semi-final spot with a win today.

A shopkeeper watches the Group A match in ICC Men's Champions Trophy between India v Pakistan, on a mobile phone in a market in Srinagar February 23, 2025.Reuters

Pakistan currently holds a 3-2 head-to-head advantage over India in Champions Trophy history, though India won their last One Day International encounter during the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad by seven wickets.