Pakistan’s batting in the Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked debates. Their slow approach, especially against India in Dubai, led to criticism. However, Ravichandran Ashwin defended them with a sharp tweet.
- Ashwin blamed the Dubai pitch for Pakistan’s slow batting.
- He highlighted India’s tough chase against Bangladesh at the same venue.
- Pakistan’s PowerPlay struggles continued in the tournament.
- Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan helped Pakistan recover to 137/2 after 31 overs.
Ashwin Defends Pakistan’s Batting
The Indian off-spinner, known for his insightful cricketing opinions, took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify the situation. He tweeted:
“Tired pitches in Dubai, don’t confuse Pakistan’s previous batting innings to this one. Wasn’t the easiest of chases in the last game here.”
His statement pointed out that the Dubai pitch was not favoring batters. He emphasized that Pakistan’s struggle was due to the conditions rather than their batting approach.
Tired pitches in Dubai, don’t confuse Pakistan’s previous batting innings to this one.
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 23, 2025
Wasn’t the easiest of chases in the last game here.#ChampionsTrophy
India’s Chase Against Bangladesh: A Comparison
Ashwin further backed his claim by referring to India’s match against Bangladesh at the same venue. In that game, India chased 229 runs in 46.3 overs, proving that batting wasn’t easy. This comparison supported his argument that Pakistan’s slow batting wasn’t an exception.
Pakistan’s PowerPlay Woes
Pakistan’s slow starts have been a recurring issue. Against New Zealand in Karachi, they registered their lowest-ever PowerPlay score at home, managing only 22/2 in 10 overs. Against India in Dubai, their batters again struggled to score freely in the early overs.
Pakistan’s Recovery in Middle Overs
Despite their PowerPlay struggles, Pakistan steadied their innings. By the 31st over, they reached 137/2, with Saud Shakeel (50) and Mohammad Rizwan (41)** leading the recovery.
The Role of Dubai’s Pitches
The condition of the pitches in Dubai has played a significant role in shaping match outcomes. The slow and tired nature of the surface has made stroke-making difficult. Teams batting second have faced challenges, as seen in both India’s and Pakistan’s chases.
Pakistan’s batting approach has faced criticism, but Ashwin’s perspective sheds light on a different angle. The pitch conditions played a crucial role, affecting both Pakistan and other teams. As the Champions Trophy 2025 progresses, teams will need to adapt to these conditions to succeed.
Pakistan’s Recent PowerPlay Performances
| Match | Venue | PowerPlay Score |
|---|---|---|
| vs New Zealand | Karachi | 22/2 (10 overs) |
| vs India | Dubai | Slow start, struggled to accelerate |
Key Points at a Glance:
- Ashwin defended Pakistan, citing Dubai’s tired pitches.
- India also struggled to chase at the same venue.
- Pakistan’s PowerPlay struggles continued.
- Saud Shakeel and Rizwan helped stabilize the innings.
- Dubai’s pitch conditions have made scoring difficult.
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
