WATCH: Axar Patel’s incredible direct hit dismisses Imam-ul-Haq in Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq was caught short of his crease in the final over of the powerplay during his side’s ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 clash against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Opting to bat first, Pakistan had got off to a decent start with Babar Azam and Imam looking good at the crease.

Imam, playing his first ODI since the World Cup in November 2023, had come in as a replacement for the injured Fakhar Zaman. However, he had to return back to the hut after Axar Patel hit the bullseye at the non-striker’s end. Imam drove a full delivery to Axar, who was stationed at mid-on.

Despite the momentum being with Imam, the top-order batter raced to complete the single, the ball was hit a bit too hard to mid-on. Axar gathered it perfectly and fired in the throw which caught a diving Imam well short of the crease.

Pakistan aim on steadying ship after dismissal of openers

Prior to Imam getting run-out, Babar Azam was the first wicket to fall after nicking through to KL Rahul off a Hardik Pandya delivery. Babar was looking poised for a substantial score with the way he had started. However, he could not carry on for long as Pakistan ended the powerplay with both their opening batters back in the pavilion.

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At the time of writing, the Men in Green are 78/2 after 19.1 overs. India, going in with an unchanged XI, will aim to put in the squeeze throughout the middle overs. Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan are occupying the crease as of now.

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