Follow UsPakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, who received a lot of criticism for his slow 90-ball 64 in the first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand, got off to a confident start against India in Dubai on February 23 (Sunday). However, India’s ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya sent him back for a 26-ball 23 to give India the first breakthrough.
Babar scored only 12 off 27 in the powerplay against the Black Caps in Karachi but came out with a lot more intent in the must-win game against the Men in Blue. The right-hander made an authoritative start, slamming Harshit Rana for a trademark cover drive.
Babar hit four more boundaries, including one off Pandya. It was another one of those cover drives. Pandya pulled his length back by a bit on the next deliveries, but Babar still went for the drive, only to end up edging it to the wicketkeeper. There was just a bit of movement, and it was enough to send Babar packing.
Pandya then gave Babar a bye-bye send-off and also broke the 41-run opening stand. Babar now has 241 runs against India in nine ODIs at an average of 30.13 - his lowest against an opponent in the 50-over format (minimum two games).