The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is off to an exciting start, and cricket fans worldwide are eagerly watching the competition. Pakistan struggled in their first match against New Zealand, exposing weaknesses that India can take advantage of in their big clash on February 23rd.
- Pakistan’s top order struggles to score quickly.
- Bowling attack lacks consistency and effectiveness.
- Babar Azam’s slow scoring rate under pressure.
1. Pakistan’s Inability to Adjust Batting Pace
Pakistan’s batting failed to match the game’s demands in their opening match. Their scoring rate in the first 10 overs was only 2.20 runs per over, making a big chase almost impossible.
- Fakhar Zaman’s absence hurt the team’s start.
- The top order failed to score quickly, putting pressure on the middle order.
- India can exploit this by using pacers like Mohammad Shami and Arshdeep Singh to take early wickets.
2. Weakness in Pakistan’s Bowling Attack
Pakistan’s bowling unit, which includes Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, lacked effectiveness against New Zealand.
- Shaheen Afridi gave away nearly 7 runs per over without taking a wicket.
- Haris Rauf leaked too many runs, despite taking two wickets.
- Naseem Shah was the only one with a decent performance.
- If India pressures Naseem Shah, the entire Pakistan bowling lineup could collapse.
3. Babar Azam’s Slow Scoring Under Pressure
Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam played too defensively, even when the required run rate was high.
- He opened the innings but scored at just 4.26 runs per over, far below the needed rate.
- India can keep him at the crease and restrict his scoring, making it difficult for Pakistan to build momentum.
- If India dismisses him early, Pakistan could struggle even more.
Pakistan’s Batting Performance Against New Zealand
| Phase (Overs) | Runs Scored | Run Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | 22/2 | 2.20 |
| 11-20 | 44/0 | 4.40 |
| 21-30 | 58/1 | 5.80 |
| 31-40 | 72/3 | 7.20 |
| 41-50 | 64/3 | 9.14 |
How India Can Take Advantage
- Start aggressively with fast bowlers to remove Pakistan’s top order early.
- Keep pressure on Babar Azam, restricting his runs and forcing mistakes.
- Attack Pakistan’s weak bowling by targeting Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
- Force mistakes in the middle overs by keeping the scoring rate high.
India has a golden opportunity to exploit Pakistan’s weaknesses and secure an important win in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. If Rohit Sharma and his team execute their plans well, they can dominate this high-stakes encounter.
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
