Pakistan and India faced each other in the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first. The team started well but lost momentum due to India’s strong comeback.
- Pakistan had a good start but lost quick wickets.
- Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel built a strong partnership.
- The team needed a finisher to push the total beyond 270 runs.
- Iftikhar Ahmed could have been the key player at this stage.
Mohammad Rizwan And Saud Shakeel Built A Strong Partnership
Pakistan lost two wickets after scoring 47 runs. Rizwan and Shakeel then added 104 runs together, giving Pakistan a strong base. Their partnership gave hope for a big total. The team now needed lower-order batters to play aggressively and finish well.
Pakistan Lost Momentum In The Middle Overs
India fought back by taking three wickets in just three overs. Pakistan added only 14 runs during this time, losing control of the game. Although a small 35-run partnership followed, another collapse saw Pakistan lose two wickets without adding any runs.
Iftikhar Ahmed: A Missed Opportunity
At this moment, Iftikhar Ahmed could have been a game-changer. His performance at the number six position has been outstanding.
Iftikhar Ahmed’s Stats At Number Six:
- Innings Played: 16
- Runs Scored: 461
- Batting Average: 51.22
- Strike Rate: 114.39
These numbers show his value as a finisher. His presence in the squad could have helped Pakistan recover and post a strong total.
How Iftikhar Ahmed Could Have Helped?
- He is a powerful hitter and plays well under pressure.
- His high strike rate helps accelerate the run rate.
- He can handle pressure situations and stabilize the innings.
Pakistan needed a finisher in the Champions Trophy 2025, and Iftikhar Ahmed was the perfect choice. His experience and aggressive batting could have changed the game against India. The PCB should have considered his inclusion to strengthen the team’s lower order.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
