Choosing to field first, the Indian team’s bowlers have effectively contained Pakistan’s progress. After 25 overs, Pakistan is at 125 for two, with captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan holding the fort.
Initially, when India put Pakistan in to bat, Abdullah Shafiq and Imam-ul-Haq handled the pace of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj comfortably. Imam-ul-Haq even collected 12 runs in one over from Siraj, featuring three fours. While Jasprit Bumrah was on target, Pakistan’s openers mainly targeted Mohammad Siraj. Pakistan reached 41 without loss in 7.5 overs. However, Mohammad Siraj provided India with its first breakthrough by dismissing Abdullah Shafiq on the last ball of that over. Shafiq contributed 20 runs.
Following this, Babar Azam and Imam ul Haq took the lead. Imam showcased some strong shots, but in the 13th over, Hardik Pandya forced him to offer a catch to Lokesh Rahul behind the wickets. Imam Ul Haq aggressively scored 36 runs off 38 balls. In the 14th over, Ravindra Jadeja removed Mohammad Rizwan, but a DRS review saved him as the ball wasn’t hitting the stumps.
Taking advantage of this lifeline, Rizwan continued his innings. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then built a vital fifty-plus partnership for the third wicket, guiding Pakistan beyond the century mark. As the 25th over concluded, Pakistan’s score stood at 125 for 2.
