Synopsis
In the Champions Trophy clash, Saud Shakeel reflects on his dismissal timing after scoring 62 runs as Pakistan sets a target of 242 against India. He acknowledges the need for early wickets to apply pressure.Key Takeaways
- Saud Shakeel scored 62 runs in a challenging match.
- Pakistan posted a total of 241 runs.
- Shakeel shared a crucial 104-run partnership with Rizwan.
- India has not lost to Pakistan in ODIs since 2017.
- Experts believe Pakistan needs a special performance to win.
Dubai, Feb 23 (NationPress) Following Pakistan's dismissal for 241 in their crucial Champions Trophy encounter against India at the Dubai International Stadium, top-order batsman Saud Shakeel acknowledged that the timing of his exit was far from ideal and expressed that he could have remained at the crease longer.
On a sluggish and unpredictable pitch, Shakeel emerged as the highest scorer for Pakistan with 62 runs off 76 balls, marking his fourth ODI fifty. He formed a significant 104-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Mohammad Rizwan, who added 46 runs. Aside from this duo, the rest of the Pakistan batting lineup faltered, leading to their total of 241 in 49.4 overs.
"I was taking a chance, but it was not a good time to get out. I think I could've stayed out there for longer. Early on, the ball wasn't coming to the bat nicely; there was a bit of swing. The pitch was slightly on the slower side. I believe we need to fight hard and take early wickets to apply pressure," Shakeel stated during a mid-innings interview with the broadcasters.
As India prepares to chase down 242, positioned well for a second consecutive victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy, former England women's spinner Alex Hartley opines that Pakistan will need to produce something extraordinary to clinch victory in this sold-out encounter in Dubai. Notably, India has not lost an ODI against Pakistan since 2017.
“It’s going to take something special. The only way Pakistan can remain in this tournament is by bowling India out. I was thinking that if Pakistan could reach the 270 mark, they would have a good chance. It's been an unusual innings, but India will carry the momentum into the second innings. They appear to be the strongest team in this tournament thus far,” she commented on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.
