Pakistan vs India , Full Score Card

OUT! CAUGHT! Up, up, but not long enough! The pressure was on after those dot balls and in the end, Khushdil Shah has been undone by some smart bowling from Harshit Rana. Rana bangs it into the deck, just short of a length and around off, Khushdil Shah tries to get under it and pull it over the fence but loses his balance and skies it up towards the square leg fence. Virat Kohli settles under it and takes a safe catch to bring Khushdil's fighting knock of 38 runs to an end and Pakistan are all out for 241 runs in 49.4 overs.

This is excellent bowling from Harshit Rana and three dot balls to begin the final over. Slower one, bowled well full and just around off. Khushdil is undone by the length and fails to get a bat on it.

Doesn't take the single! Pitched up outside off, Khushdil Shah leans back and lofts it over cover but towards the fielder in the deep.

Full and at the stumps, slower again, Khushdil Shah goes for the slog sweep but is undone by the lack of pace again and toe-ends it onto the off side.

Abrar Ahmed is the last batter for Pakistan. Harshit Rana (7-0-30-0) will bowl the final over.

OUT! RUN OUT! They just had to push for two there but it wasn't quite there for the taking. Shami goes full again and gets the ball to tail back into the toes, Haris Rauf clips it away wide of the fielder at deep mid-wicket and the batters push for two. Axar Patel rushes in and fires in a flat throw at the keeper's end, right on top of the bails and KL Rahul does the rest. Rauf has to walk back here!

Unless there’s a comfortable two on offer, Khushdil Shah is unlikely to take the risk and will want to retain strike for the start of the final over.

Goes for the toe-crushing yorker at 140.4 clicks and nails it. Haris Rauf makes room to swing across the line but is beaten and the ball goes between the leg stump and the pads.

SIX! Right off the screws and that one has sailed into the crowd! An attacking short ball, angled in at the batter but Haris Rauf just swings at it and gets a hold of it as the ball clears deep square leg for a biggie. 13 off the over already.

Banged in on a hard length around middle and leg, Khushdil makes room and hammers it flat and on the bounce to long on for just a single.

Oh, that's been hit hard but straight at the bowler! Over the wicket now and bowled full and straight at the stumps, Khushdil clears the front leg and drills it straight back but Shami sticks out a boot and firms it. Dot ball!

SIX! Khushdil Shah finally gets one away! Attempted slower one from around the stumps, bowed a bit too short though, Khushdil swivels and pulls it flat behind deep square leg for a biggie.

Mohammad Shami (7-0-29-0) will bowl the penultimate over.

Oh, deary me! Khushdil Shah denies the run thinking just the single is on and wants to keep strike but they could have well got a couple of runs there, so, that's a bit sloppy. Fuller in length and angled into the pads, Rauf flicks it nicely and to the right of Shubman Gill at deep square leg.

Khushdil can't quite get a hold of the big shots at the moment. Another one bowled at just around 111 clicks and floated up around off, Khushdil sits down to heave but miscues it badly down to long off for just one more.

A short ball around off, angling it back in, Haris Rauf does well to hang back and just angle it down to deep third for a single.

Nicely bowled! Pace-off again, a bit full and around off, Khushdil swings hard across the line but gets it off the cue end of the bat towards cover for a single.

Ouch, that must have hurt! Full and straight now, Khushdil leans on and punches it straight back at Harshit. The bowler can't get out of the way and the ball stings the fingers before going down to long on and the batters hustle back for two runs.

Pitched up in the channel around off, slower too, Khushdil Shah looks to pick it up and slog across the line but only gets an inside edge down to the keeper.

Flatter delivery, bowled on a length on off and this one slides back in, Rauf plays it off the back foot and gets an inside edge to the leg side.

A bit fuller and darted into the batter, Haris Rauf leans on and blocks it off.

Haris Rauf comes out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT! Chipped to long off and Kuldeep Yadav gets his third wicket! Kuldeep comes around the wicket and floats it up on middle and leg, it is the googly though that turns away from the right-hander. Naseem Shah steps out but the ball stops on him and he can't follow-through on the swing and just checks his shot, chipping it over mid on. Virat Kohli charges in from the deep and dives forward to take a fine low catch. 157th catch in ODI cricket for Kohli - the most for any Indian as a fielder. Pakistan are now 8 down for 222!

Drops it short again around leg, Naseem Shah is taken aback a bit and gloves it down fine towards fine leg and picks up a couple of runs.

Drags the length back again and angles it across the right-hander, Naseem punches it from the crease but finds the fielder at covers.

Bowled flat and short on off, swatted away off the back foot down to long on for a single.

Slower one, bowled full and around off, Khushdil pushes it away square on the off side and to the right of covers for one more. 7 off that over.

Length ball, angling it into the pads, clipped away firmly to deep square leg for a single.

These two keep pinching the singles! Full and around off, angling away, Khushdil hangs back and squeezes it away to short third for a quick single.

Banged in on a hard length and angling down le, Naseem Shah looks to flick off the hips but misses and the ball goes of the thigh pad wide of the keeper. They get a leg bye.

Bowled well short and outside off, Naseem Shah gets up on the toes and dabs it down wide of deep third for a couple of easy runs.

Shami returns to the attack and starts from around the wicket. This is pitched up outside off, angling in, Khushdil gets on the front foot and miscues the drive to mid off for a quick single.

Hit hard but straight to the man! Tossed up, full and on off, Khushdil drills it along the ground to long off for a single.

A direct hit and that could have been curtains for Naseem Shah! Around off, pushed away to extra cover and the batters set off for the single. Shreyas Iyer picks up the ball and throws the ball a bit wide of the stumps at the bowler's end.

Nicely played by Naseem! Flighted ball, full and on middle, Naseem just backs away before leaning on and strokes it straight back past the bowler for a couple of runs as the fielder at long off cuts it off to his right.

Drops it short no around middle, turning in, Khushdil works it away around the corner for one more.

Floated up full and around off, pushed away on the full and down to long off for a single.

The scrambled-seam delivery, comes out flat and from the front of the hand. Lands on off and goes across the batter, beating the outside edge.

Short delivery now, around off, Naseem Shah gets upright and dabs it away from the body and down to deep third for a single.

Just stopping on the batter that one. Fullish length around off, Naseem Shah leans on to blocks but the ball comes late off the deck and hits the sticker of the blade.

Good length again in the channel, Naseem gets nicely forward this time and blocks it to covers.

FOUR! Edged away! On a good length and on off, gets this one to just nip away off the seam, Naseem stays compact and plays it late but gets an outside edge wide of the keeper and the ball rolls into the deep third fence.

Over the wicket now for the right-hander, bowled a bit slower and into the deck outside off. Naseem Shah hangs back and reaches out to have a poke but is beaten.

Pitches it up around off and angles it well in, Khushdil Shah clips it around the corner for a single.

Harshit Rana is back on. He is 5-0-19-0 so far.

No hat-trick! Kuldeep Yadav bowls this one a bit too short and around off, Naseem Shah is watchful and stays on the back foot before dabbing it down nicely and well wide of second slip as well.

Naseem Shah takes the guard at number 9 and will face the HAT TRICK ball. Two slips lurking behind him.

OUT! LBW! Two in two for Kuldeep! Or is it? That seemed fairly adjacent but Shaheen Afridi has reviewed it right away. The big googly now from Kuldeep Yadav, on a dragged length and gets it to turn back in sharply from outside off. Afridi gets back and right across the off stump to cover the line but is beaten past the inside edge and gets struck on the front pad. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds. That's hitting the middle of the middle and Afridi goes for a golden duck. Kuldeep on a hat-trick as well!

Shaheen Afridi comes out to the middle now. Two left-handers at the crease.

OUT! CAUGHT! Oh, Ravindra Jadeja slips but manages to hang on and what a timely wicket for India here. Kuldeep Yadav tosses this one up, slower and on the pads, Salman Agha dances down the pitch to hoick it over mid-wicket but doesn't quite reach to the pitch of the delivery. The ball turns in and gets skewed off the leading edge to the left of covers. Jadeja there just runs back a bit and dives to grab the catch but slips and lands awkwardly, doesn't spill the ball though.

One more and the 200 comes up for Pakistan. Floated up short and outside off, turning away, Shah reaches out and cuts it just behind point for a single.

Just a tad short and turning back into the stumps, enough time for Salman to rock back and punch it through covers for another single.

On a length, on middle and sliding on, worked away in front of mid-wicket for a single.

Good length around middle, Salman Agha gets right behind the line and defends it with a dead bat.

Sees the batter advancing and bowls it shorter at the body, Shah misses the flick and gets it off the pads behind point. They get a leg bye.

SIX! Seemed to have got it off the toe end of the bat but gets enough power on it, the first six of the game! Full and in the blockhole, angled across off, Khushdil Shah gets down on one knee, fetches the ball and slogs it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Quick and flat at the stumps, Khushdil Shah defends it from the crease.

Floated up, fuller and around off, Salman Agha leans across and strokes it on the full through extra cover for one more.

Nicely bowled! Full and fired in at the stumps, Khushdil Shah looks to clear the front leg but adjusts and just digs it out wide of the bowler and down to long on for a single.

Bowled flat and angled onto middle and leg, Shah works it off the back foot and wide of mid-wicket for another single. These two just milking the runs now to try and set up a big finish.

Nagging length, floated up around off, Salman taps it in front of point and picks up another easy single.

Short, on middle and leg, turns away and sits up, Shah presses back and punches it past the diving bowler down to long on for a single.

Half a shout for LBW but turned down. Seemed to be going down leg but at the last second, Rohit Sharma has reviewed it. Flatter delivery again from Kuldeep, bowled on a length and angled into leg. Khushdil Shah goes down on one knee and looks to play the reverse sweep fine but misses and gets hit on the pads. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking shows wickets as umpire's call. It stays NOT OUT but much closer than it looked live.

Just drags the length back, slower too, Salman Agha brings out the reverse but gets a top edge in front of short third for a quick single.

Flatter delivery, darts it in full and into the legs, Khushdil Shah clips it away wide of mid on into the deep for a single.

Powerplay 3! Into the final 10 overs we go then and the game is nicely poised. Also, India can now have an extra boundary-rider till the end of this innings. Also, a change in bowling. Kuldeep Yadav returns into the attack. He is 5-0-23-0 so far.

Tossed up, on middle, Agha gets nice and low and sweeps it to the right of deep square leg. Shubman Gill gets around in the deep to his right and cuts it off. Two runs taken.

Floated up, around off, pushed to Kohli at cover once again.

Darted in, full and on off, driven to cover.

Shorter and quicker, on the pads, Khushdil Shah flicks it behind square on the leg side for another single.

Uppish but safe! Drags the length back and the line is around off, Agha looks to drive it on the up but the ball stops on him. Agha hits it uppishly but well wide of cover to his right for a single.

Axar slides onto the pads, full in length, Agha tickles it fine to the right of short fine leg for a brace. Hardik Pandya gives it a chase and mops it up.

Quicker through the air, turning into the pads, Khushdil Shah gets his bat out in front of the front pad and stabs it down on the leg side.

Shorter and slower, on middle, Shah hangs back and works it with the turn to the left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Short and on off, Shah hangs back and pushes it back to the bowler.

Full and on off, Agha knocks it down to long off and turns the strike over.

Fired in, on a nagging length, on the pads, Khushdil Shah gets his hands out in front and it is more of a reverse slap. Hits it through covers and Shreyas Iyer gives it a chase. Puts a slide in to save a run for his side. Three runs taken.

This is full, around off, Agha gets forward and drives it to the left of cover for a single.

Bowled from slightly wide of the crease on the around-the-wicket angle, full and on off, Agha gets a good stride in and pushes it through covers for a single.

Drifting into the pads, Agha flicks this full delivery straight to mid-wicket.

Back to bowling it flat and short, on middle, Shah camps back and turns it through square leg for one.

Slows it down and this is a bit fuller, on off, Khushdil Shah gets on the front foot to defend.

On off, on a nagging length, Shah hangs back and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Tossed up, around off, Agha leans on it and eases it past cover for a single.

Attacking the front pad, on the fuller side, Khushdil plants his front foot ahead and clips it to short fine leg.

Flatter and shorter, on off, Shah hangs back and drops it beside the pitch on the leg side. Agha is halfway down the track for the run before being sent back by Shah and rightly so.

Keeps it short, on off, Agha makes room and pats it through point for one.

Fuller and quicker, on off, Agha presses forward to defend. Ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.

Going across the left-hander, on a length, Shah lunges to block it out. Gets an inside edge that rolls away on the leg side for one.

Khushdil Shah walks out to bat with Pakistan in a spot of bother.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! The bowling change works like a charm for India! Ravindra Jadeja strikes with his first ball on his return to the attack. Starts from around the wicket and spears it in, short and on off and middle, Tahir stays leg side of the ball and takes the risk of guiding it behind square on the off side from the stumps. Tries to open the bat face to access that area and ends up playing inside the line of the ball as the ball straightens a touch to whizz past the outside edge. The ball goes through to crash into the stumps.

Ravindra Jadeja (5-0-31-0) is brought back into the attack.

Fires it in, flat and short, on middle and leg, Tayyab nudges it through square leg for one more run.

Attacking the off stump, on a length, Agha dabs it in front of point for a quick single.

Continues to spear it in, on the shorter side, on middle, Tahir rocks back and punches it down to long on for another single.

Darted into the pads, Agha lunges and eases the drive to long on for one more.

Tossed up, on off, Tahir presses forward and knocks it to long off for one.

Pushed through from around the wicket, short and on off, Tahir hangs back and pushes it to cover.

Back of a length, just outside off, Tayyab works it to deep third for a single.

Tayyab Tahir walks out at number 6 for Pakistan.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Hardik Pandya gets his second wicket and the adventurous Saud Shakeel departs. Pakistan has now lost both the set batters in the span of just ten deliveries and India is back in the hunt massively. Hardik smartly pulls the length back, and keeps the line of attack slightly outside off. Saud Shakeel stands tall and tries to pull it behind square leg. He is through his shot a few milliseconds early and that is enough to mistime the ball in the air. Axar Patel in the deep, moves a bit to his right from deep square leg, settles under the ball and takes a fine catch. Saud walks back into the hut after scoring a handy 62 (76). From a commanding 151/2, Pakistan has slipped down to 159/4.

Back of a length, around off, a slower one, at 118.5 kph, Saud Shakeel pinches it to backward point. But with Jadeja stationed there, and moving forward quickly, the batters do not risk a single.

FOUR! Beautifully played! Short and on the body, Saud Shakeel positions himself well and swivels to pull it through deep square leg for a boundary.

Low full toss, just outside off, clipped across to mid-wicket.

Length and outside off, Salman hits it down the deep third region for a single.

Nice and full, on middle, driven to long off for a single.

AERIAL AND DROPPED! Kuldeep is the culprit now! Could have been two in the over for Axar had Kuldeep been a bit quicker on the ball. Dropped fuller from Axar, on the stumps. Saud Shakeel sits down to slog it behind deep mid-wicket but doesn't get his bat under it properly and mistimes it wide of long on. Kuldeep Yadav is a bit late to move across to his left. He dives and just can't hang on it. A single taken. Rohit and Axar, both are not happy with that effort.

Off the mark, is Agha! Tossed up full outside off, Salman drives it to long off for a single.

Full on off, blocked off.

Salman Agha is in next.

OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Axar Patel with that important breakthrough of Rizwan and that dropped catch doesn't cost India many runs off him. Axar Patel darts it in, fuller and very quicker on the stumps. Mohammad Rizwan comes down the track and tries to play the hack, but plays the wrong line and the ball beats his bat. Rizwan almost yorks himself up and the ball crashes into the stumps. Mohammad Rizwan departs on 46 (77) and Pakistan are 151/3. Axar manages to break this 104-run stand for this third wicket.

A low full toss on the pads, Saud works it to long on for a single.

IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Harshit Rana spills an important catch and hands on the heads for India! Hardik bowls full, keeping the line on the stumps. Mohammad Rizwan comes dancing down the track, and looks to tonk it over the leg side. But mistimes it badly off the toe-end. It swirls up over long on where Harshit Rana tries to circle under it. He moves a bit to his right, is almost there as he tries to catch it towards his right but the ball pops in and out of his hands. Two taken. How costly will this prove for India? Only time will tell.

Seeing Rizwan jumping down the track, Hardik pulls the length back and bowls on the bodyline. Mohammad Rizwan though, does well to pull it away to deep square leg and takes a couple of runs. However, a better throw from Shreyas Iyer could have been very close. Also, this partnership now moves past the 100-run mark.

Slower one, on the leg stump line, Saud Shakeel tickles this full ball to deep fine for a single.

Attacks the pads, does Hardik, on a length, Mohammad Rizwan looks to tuck it but misses and the ball is deflected off the thigh pad to square leg. They cross for a leg bye.

Hones in an off-cutter, outside off on a length. It lands and stays low, Mohammad Rizwan misses to slash it away due to the lack of bounce.

Pitched fuller on leg, clipped across to deep mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Over-the-head-bumper from Hardik. Saud lets it pass over. Wide given.

Another delay in proceedings and it seems a few of the players are struggling with the heat. The Pakistan team physio is out to have a look at Mohammad Rizwan and Shreyas Iyer can also be seen lying on his stomach and getting some massage to his lower back. It is about 10 degrees Celsius hotter than the other day when India played Bangladesh. The humidity is also high and there's no wind. Finally, we are good to go and also, Hardik Pandya is brought back into the attack.

Tossed up, around off, Saud Shakeel taps it to backward point for a single.

Flat and quick, on middle and full. Pushed across to mid-wicket by Shakeel.

Drag-down on leg, Saud Shakeel hangs back and glances it toward deep square leg for a couple of quick runs.

Full and drifting on leg, Rizwan gets forward and pushes it in front of mid on and rushes through for a quick single.

Tossed up, slanting outside off, on a length, cut away to deep point for a single.

Arm ball, full and on middle, Saud leans and pushes it back to Axar.

DRINKS BREAK! A similar story with the ball for India from the last game and they just aren't able to pick up wickets through the middle phase, allowing partnerships to foster. The pair of Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel started sluggishly as the Indian bowlers hardly gave anything away but in the last 5-6 overs, they have started to attack, especially the spinners and laid the foundation for a big finish. The wicket looks better from the previous game in Dubai but India do need a few wickets before the final 10 overs in order to keep the runs in check. Let's see how things pan out.

FIFTY FOR SAUD SHAKEEL! His fourth in ODIs! An inning of patience and grit from the left-hander! Also, it has come at a decently good strike rate as well off 63 deliveries. Slants it on the middle, does Jadeja, on a length, Saud Shakeel gets behind the line of the ball and tucks it across through mid-wicket for a single.

Good length, around off, Rizwan hangs back and punches it through cover for one more.

Darted quicker on middle, Mohammad Rizwan knocks it back to Jadeja.

Full and on middle and leg, Saud flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Clever, very clever! Overpitched quicker one from Jadeja, on leg, Saud Shakeel sits down and executes the paddle sweep, wide of short fine for a boundary. Saud moves to 48 and the partnership moves to 87 between these two.

Quicker, shorter, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan rocks back and turns it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Another appeal for LBW but Axar does not look overly excited! Patel serves it full and straight, at the stumps, Saud premeditates as he goes for the reverse. The ball is a bit too full for the shot and it sneaks under his bat to catch him on the front pad. The Ball Tracking shows that the ball pitched outside leg, so, a wise decision from India not to take the review.

Bowled with a round-arm action, on a nagging length, on middle, Rizwan tucks it wide of mid-wicket and collects one more single.

Sliding across, short and on off, Shakeel punches it past cover and crosses over.

Full and at the stumps, turned to mid-wicket off the front foot.

Slanting into the pads, Rizwan nudges it wide of mid-wicket for one.

Drops it short, on off, Rizwan presses back and is late on the cut. Ends up chopping it down in front of point.

So, just one over burst for Shami. Spin is back in tandem from the other end. Axar Patel (3-0-15-0) back for another spell.

A loud shout for LBW but the umpire remains unmoved! Ravindra Jadeja looks interested but he gets no support from KL Rahul behind the stumps and India do not take the review. Fired in, on a length, on middle and leg, Saud walks a bit too far across his stumps to help it away. He misses as he gets beaten on the inside edge and gets rapped on the front pad. This was bowled from around the wicket and the ball seemed to have pitched outside leg. Well, well, the Ball Tracking later shows that the ball did pitch in line of the stumps but the ball was clipping the leg stump and it would have been umpire's call.

Coming in with the angle from around the wicket, short and on middle, Rizwan camps back and drops it in the vacant mid-wicket region for one.

Attacking the front pad, full in length, Saud wrists it through square leg for a run.

Pushes it through, short and flat, on off, Rizwan pats it with an angled bat to the left of cover. Saud hesitates at first but eventually decides to cross and completes the single comfortably.

Sprayed on the pads, on a nagging length, Shakeel flicks it past mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Short and around off, Rizwan stays leg side of the ball and punches it to deep point for one.

Shami bends his back and digs it in short, on off, Saud gets on his toes and rides the bounce. Controls the pull and plays it along the ground to the left of deep square leg for two runs more.

Another direct hit but Rizwan is well in! Honing in at the stumps, on the fuller side, Rizwan whips it towards mid on and scampers across for a quick single. Kuldeep scores a direct hit at the bowling end but Rizwan makes it in with ease by sliding his bat.

With an upright seam and there is a hint of away nibble, on off, on a good length, Rizwan plays it with a straight bat back to Shami.

From around the wicket to the left-hander and this is bowled from wide of the crease, on a length, outside off, Saud opens the bat's face and runs it down to deep third for one.

On a back of a length, on middle, Rizwan hangs back and smears it through square leg for a single.

Did that carry? No, says Shubman Gill straight away. This is on a good length, on off, Rizwan has a swipe across the line. Hits it flat and low towards mid-wicket where Gill leans forward to take the catch but the ball drops in front of his hands.

Mohammad Shami (5-0-18-0) is back into the attack. Sensing that these two might now take on the spinners, Rohit has moved back to pace.

Pushed through, full and straight, Rizwan taps it long off and keeps the strike with a single. Good last couple of overs for Pakistan. 9 off this one and 8 off the previous over from Kuldeep.

Drags the length back a bit, on off, Rizwan eases the drive to cover.

Turning into the pads, on a length, Saud works it with the turn wide of mid-wicket for one more.

Full and at the stumps, knocked down to long on for a single.

Good effort in the deep! Fuller and on middle, Rizwan gets his hands out in front and sweeps it uppishly to the left of deep square leg. Shreyas Iyer sprints and slides to his left in the deep and makes the stop. Releases the ball before his body makes contact with the boundary cushions. Two runs taken.

FOUR! All of a sudden, the boundaries have started to flow for Pakistan! This is flat and short, on off, Rizwan crouches and nails the pull aerially but hits it towards the vacant deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.

FOUR! The conventional sweep comes out from Saud and the result is the same! Loopy delivery, fuller and on middle, Saud picks the length early and sets himself up for the sweep by getting a stride forward. Rolls his wrists over the ball and sweeps it all along the ground through backward square leg for four more.

Slower through the air, short and around off, Saud is a bit early into the cut. Gets it off the outer half of the bat but it drops well in front of short third.

Drags the length back, on off, Saud hangs back and punches it to cover.

FOUR! Nicely done! Floated up, on off, Shakeel reaches out in front and gets nice and low. Reverse sweeps it past short third for a boundary. 100 UP FOR PAKISTAN!

Was that a chance? Slips in a googly, on the shorter side, on off, Saud goes for the reverse but the ball goes over his bat and gloves. Catches Saud on the waist and it drops down in front of the keeper.

Bowled with a flatter trajectory, on middle, Saud goes back to a full delivery but adjusts well to keep it out.

Good stop by Jadeja! Full and on off, Rizwan takes a huge stride ahead and looks to get it down to long off. But Jadeja dives full-stretch to his left and intercepts the ball.

Nice and full, tossed on off, Rizwan leans on and pushes it back straight.

Length, on off, punched back to the bowler.

Full outside off, Mohammad Rizwan leans and pushes it to the left of the bowler.

FOUR! Swept away! Is this the break-free moment for him? Quick and full, on middle and leg, Mohammad Rizwan sits down and sweeps it past square leg for a cracking boundary. 50-run stand is up between these two as well!

Back of a length, on the stumps, worked across to deep square leg for a single.

BUZZERS! Kuldeep drops a fuller ball, around off, Saud leans and pushes it to cover and sets off for a risky single. But the fielder, Jadeja at cover is quick enough to run across and pick and release the throw, scoring a direct hit at the non-striker's end. Shakeel had to really rush to get back home and drags the bat in. Replays show that he did well to get in. NOT OUT.

Pakistan have played themselves into a position where they now have to go for a few risky singles as the boundaries just aren't coming.

Direct hit! The Indian players don't look overly excited. And the replays show why - Saud Shakeel is well in!

Pulls the length slightly back, on the leg stump line. Rizwan powers the pull shot along the ground to deep square leg. Just another single for the skipper.

Pitched up, full and on leg, Saud Shakeel leans forward and pushes it to long on for one more.

Dragged length, on top of off. Mohammad Rizwan hangs back and punches it down to long off for a single.

Tossed up around off, full in length, Rizwan looks to smother the spin but ends up chopping it on the surface.

Tossed up nicely, fuller and on leg, Rizwan sweeps it but finds the short fine leg fielder.

Full again, quick on middle and leg, Rizwan drives it along the ground to long on for a single.

Full and flat, on off, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it to Kohli at cover.

Back of a length, just outside off and turning in, Saud Shakeel rocks back quickly and cuts it past backward point. The ball trickles toward the ropes but just plugs before and it is chased by Kuldeep from the inner ring. Three taken.

Nice and full, around off, Saud leans on and pushes it to cover.

Drags the length again, on off, worked away to mid-wicket again.

Around the stumps, good length, on off with a little bit of turn in, Saud Shakeel stands tall and works it across to mid-wicket.

Ravindra Jadeja has been tossed the ball now.

Oh, Harshit Rana fails to collect it cleanly! Flatter one, bowled full and around off, Shakeel attempts the reverse lap and gets it just fine of short third and sets off for the single. Had Rana picked that up on the first go, things could have been tight.

Flighted up, on a nagging length and around off, Shakeel stays watchful and keeps it out behind point.

Floated up, on off, eased down to long off for one more.

Tossed up, on off, Rizwan lunges to defend.

Slows it up and drops it short on off, Shakeel waits back and pushes it down to long off for a single.

Tossed up, full and on the pads, swept away firmly and down to deep backward square leg for just a single.

Dug in short again by Harshit, just outside off, Mohammad Rizwan swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Another dot! He is just finding the fielders at the moment! Short in length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan mistimes the pull towards short mid-wicket.

A pace-off delivery, around off and at 112.9 kph, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it out to cover.

Back of a length, tight line around off, Rizwan gets behind it and blocks it on the pitch.

Around the stumps, full and angling on off, Saud Shakeel leans on it and drives it along the ground, past cover for a single.

Some intent from Rizwan, but ends up with a single only. Full and on off, Mohammad Rizwan shimmies down the track and lofts it over cover for a single.

On a good length around off, tapped away from the crease and through covers for one. Pakistan now 79/2 after 20 overs!

Flattens the trajectory and turns it back into middle stump, Rizwan hops back and across and punches it away to extra cover. 80 dot balls already in the innings.

Rizwan feeling the heat out there! A tad shorter and on the pads, tucked away off the back foot but straight to backward square leg.

Tosses this one up around off, Mohammad Rizwan leans ahead and pushes it straight to mid off.

Nicely flighted, around middle, Rizwan clips it across to mid-wicket.

A loopy delivery, floated up on middle, Saud Shakeel sits down to sweep and hits it nicely behind square leg as the ball keeps turning away from the deep square leg fielder. Just a single though.

A double change then as Kuldeep Yadav (1-0-5-0) replaces Axar Patel.

Just a bit fuller and on the pads, angling in, Rizwan can't quite flick it away.

Banged in well short and outside off, not quick enough, Shakeel has enough to reach out and get on top of the bounce before playing a controlled pull through mid-wicket for a single.

Slightly pitched up around the fifth stump line, Rizwan leans across and drives it away to deep cover for just another single.

Hard-length delivery around off, Mohammad Rizwan blocks it off. Rizwan is now on 11 off 27 and needs to get a move on.

Uppish but in the gap and over the infield! Another one that is pitched up around off, Shakeel goes for the cover drive but ends up pushing it away over cover-point for a single.

Oh, a lovely shot but for no run! Pitched up wide of the off stump, Saud Shakeel gets forward and across and creams the drive but Virat Kohli at short covers makes a sharp stop.

Harshit Rana is back for a burst. 3-0-13-0 for Rana in his opening spell.

Flatter one at the pads, flicked away through the gap at square leg for a single by Shakeel.

On a length and fired in around off, Shakeel turns it to mid-wicket.

Looks to drop and run but can't get the single. Nagging length on off, angled across, Shakeel goes back and across and dabs it down to backward point.

Just marginally short and around off, patted away off the back foot and through cover-point for a single.

Flatter delivery, darted in at the stumps, Rizwan defends it off the front foot this time.

A hint of flight on it, drifted into middle and leg, Rizwan blocks it from the crease.

Rohit Sharma is back on the field. Axar to continue.

A high bumper around off, Rizwan leaps up a bit and gets on top of the bounce before pulling it down to deep square leg for a single. Just 2 off it.

This is turning out to be some spell from Hardik Pandya! Just back of a length and in the channel, darts back in, Mohammad Rizwan stays watchful and pushes it away to covers.

Gentle-paced delivery at 130 clicks and on a good length, angling it into the batter, Rizwan nudges it away with soft hands into the leg side.

Mohammad Rizwan pulled out just as Hardik Pandya was about to deliver. Something behind the bowler's arm seemed to have put Rizwan off there.

Hits the deck hard and bowls it just back of a length around middle, Rizwan stays put and just defends it off.

Short and wide, angled well across the left-hander, Shakeel stays upright and taps it nicely through the point region for just a single.

Rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls a slower bumper over middle and leg. This one grips and stops on the batter but Saud Shakeel waits back well and manages to keep it down towards gully.

Nice and full, on off, Mohammad Rizwan lunges and blocks it down the track.

On the shorter side and over middle, easily pushed away from the crease and down to long on for one more.

Flatter delivery, darting in from middle, Rizwan leans on but then hops back quickly and nudges it behind square leg for a single.

Quicker through the air, a bit full and angled in from around off, Rizwan leans forward and plays it out.

On a dragged length over middle and leg, worked away from the crease and wide of long on for a single. They look for two but decide against it. India about 15 minutes behind on the overrate but they have plenty of spin bowling to come.

FOUR! Cheeky but effective from Shakeel and a boundary after 32 balls for Pakistan. Floated up, on a length around middle, Saud Shakeel gets across and inside the line before lapping it straight over the keeper's head and the ball trickles away into the fence.

Axar Patel (1-0-6-0) comes back into the attack, replacing Mohammad Shami.

Banged into the deck and angled across off, Shakeel presses back and pokes at it and gets a bit off an edge down to deep third for a run. Runs hard to come by right now for Pakistan.

Another bumper from Pandya and he gets the length right yet again! Bangs it in over middle and this one bounces around helmet height as Saud Shakeel again stays leg side and leaves the ball alone.

Still no Rohit Sharma on the field for India. Shubman Gill continues to marshal the troops.

An effort ball from Pandya as he bowls the bumper now around off and middle. This one comes in around head height and Shakeel just sways away from the line of the ball.

Back of a length and wide outside off, Rizwan hangs back and dabs it down late and towards deep third for a single.

Good-length delivery on middle, this one darts back in and Mohammad Rizwan falls over a bit while looking to clip it away and gets hit on the pads.

Nagging length and in the channel, on the fuller side, this one shapes away a bit and stops on the batter as well, Rizwan leans forward and jabs it out on the off side.

DRINKS BREAK! Whatever momentum Pakistan got in the first eight overs or so through Babar Azam's intent-laden knock, has been pulled back by India with those two quick wickets. There are not many demons on the pitch, but the Indian pacers have bowled on disciplined lines and lengths, of course, barring those early extras. It is a rebuilding phase for Pakistan, but they need to ensure that they do not go into a shell and play a lot of dot deliveries, and would like to keep the scorecard ticking with ones and twos, at least. Barring Jadeja, India has used almost all its bowling cards, using Axar and Kuldeep a bit early as well. A couple of wickets might really help India pegging Pakistan back. Well then, Here's Hardik Pandya (4-0-14-1) to continue after the hydration break.

Drags the length back and bowls it around off, gets it to just straighten a bit as well, Shakeel gets behind the line and a bit across to the off side and keeps it out.

Excellent seam position again, lands it on a hard length and on a tight line around off, Shakeel watchfully blocks it off.

Banged in shorter now and over middle, hurrying the batter, Rizwan gets cramped up and plays a sort of a half-pull through mid-wicket for one.

Shorter and angled into the batter, Shakeel turns it off the hips and just behind square leg for one as Shreyas Iyer comes charging in from the deep and cuts it off.

Nicely played but can't find the gap! Hard length around off, Saud Shakeel punches it sweetly on the up and square of the wicket but finds Ravindra Jadeja at point.

Short of a good length, outside off and just angling in, Shakeel looks to cut away from the body but it isn't quite short enough and Shakeel is beaten.

A lovely delivery to end the over, just a single off it. Nagging length in the channel, this one nibbles away off the deck and late as well, Mohammad Rizwan stays back and has a poke but the ball just beats the outside edge.

Tidy stuff so far from Pandya! Hard length on the fourth stump line, just angling it in, Rizwan leans on and blocks it off.

Back of a length, wider of the off stump, Saud Shakeel stays upright and taps it through the vacant point region for a single.

Good length on off, slanting away, Shakeel prods halfway and blocks it to the off side.

Half a shout for caught behind but the umpire says no and no wide is signaled either, so, there must have been something there. Brings out the bumper and digs it in around leg, Shakeel looks to hook but misses and the ball goes just down leg. No review taken and UltraEdge later shows that the ball missed everything.

Nagging length, just a smidge fuller and on middle, angling across, Shakeel defends it off the front foot.

Will Pandya get another? Yes, he will. He is 3-0-13-1 so far.

Perfect length, in and around off, attacking the top of the stumps, Rizwan solidly blocks it off.

Just back of a length and over off and middle this time, Mohammad Rizwan hops back and blocks it back onto the deck.

Back of a length, much tighter line around off this time, Rizwan presses back and pats it down in front of point.

Around the wicket now to the left-hander, on the shorter side and around off, Shakeel gets up on his toes and dabs it down through the deep third region for one more.

Bowled into the deck and outside off, Rizwan dabs the ball down into the gap at covers and picks up another single.

Shami is back and his pace seems to be back where it should be. Hard length, on middle and angled across the left-hander at 138 clicks, Shakeel nudges it down to deep third for a single.

Mohammad Shami (3-0-13-0) is back into the attack. Also, Rohit Sharma is off the field for a moment, and Shubman Gill, the vice-captain, has taken over the captain's duty.

Back of a length and in the channel, Rizwan hops back and pushes it down to the right of Ravindra Jadeja at point for another dot.

Bowls it fuller and angles it well into the legs, Rizwan stays leg side of the ball and takes the front leg out before flicking it to mid-wicket.

Hard length on leg, Pandya looks to swing it back into the left-hander, Shakeel tucks it away neatly down to fine leg and turns the strike over.

Back of a length, a bit outside off as well, staying on the lower side, Rizwan hangs back and chops it down to deep third for a single.

Oh, squares him up! Back of a length and over middle, this one nibbles away off the seam, Shakeel is taken aback and the ball flicks the arms and goes down to short third. They pick up a quick leg bye.

Bowls it on a good length, around the top of off and angling away, Saud Shakeel leans on to block it off.

Powerplay 2! The field restrictions will now ease a bit and India can have as many as four fielders outside the inner circle till the 40th over.

Attacking the stumps, fuller and slower, Rizwan presents a straight bat to keep it out.

Pushed through, around off, Rizwan presses forward and defends.

FOUR! Rizwan is up and running! Dishes out a googly does Kuldeep, on off, Rizwan picks it up from the hand and gets nice and low. Swipes it in front of square on the leg side for a boundary. 50 UP FOR PAKISTAN!

Slows it down, on off, Saud eases it wide of mid off and takes the single.

Skipper, Mohammad Rizwan walks out to bat now.

OUT! RUN OUT! Axar Patel with the direct and Imam-ul-Haq is gone! Restlessness seemed to creep in and Imam felt that he needed to get a move on. Attempts a risky single and pays the price. Tossed up by Kuldeep, on middle, Imam shimmies down the track and drives it towards mid on. He times it nicely and hence, it travels quickly towards Axar Patel. Axar swoops in, picks the ball quickly and knocks the stumps down at the bowling end. Imam puts a dive in but still falls short. Imam-ul-Haq departs for 10 (26) and Pakistan are 47/2 after 9.2 overs.

Is that a run-out? Seems like it and Axar Patel, the fielder who got the direct hit in, knows it as well. Not a well-judged run by Imam-ul-Haq and he seems to be struggling here. No need for the third umpire as it is quite clear and up goes the umpire's finger and the replays later confirm the same.

Starts with a flighted delivery, on off, Imam steps out and ends up getting too close to the ball. Squeezes it out back to the bowler.

Just one over for Axar Patel and the ball is now tossed to Kuldeep Yadav.

Saud gets off the mark! On the shorter side, on middle, Saud rides the bounce and nudges it through square leg for a couple of runs.

Rohit Sharma seems to be struggling with his fitness as well. Rohit is seen just holding his hamstring a bit but everyone will be hoping that both he and Shami are fit to play the entire game, or else it could be a big blow for the Indian team.

This is wider on off, on a short of a good length, Saud shapes up for the cut. Chops it down on the off side.

Angling away, on a hard length, Saud stabs it down on the off side.

FOUR LEG BYES! Hardik errs in line as he hurls it on a back of a length, on the pads, Saud tries to help it away but fails to get any bat on it. The ball clips his thigh pad and goes behind where KL Rahul dives to his right but the ball evades him for a boundary.

Saud Shakeel walks in at number 3.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Hardik Pandya breaks through for India! Hardik pulls the length back and it is in the channel on off, Babar goes for the drive again but the ball seams back in a bit to catch the outside edge and it goes behind. The keeper KL Rahul makes no mistake as he takes it around his knee to his right. Babar looked good but his stay has been cut short. Hardik gives him a bit of a send-off as he falls for 23 (26). Pakistan are now 41/1 in 8.2 overs.

FOUR! A gift and Babar accepts it gleefully! Low full toss, well wide of off, Babar leans into the drive and hits it all along the ground. Gets it through covers for a boundary.

Imam shows his cards early as he gets down the track. Axar spots it and fires it away from the batter, on the shorter side, Imam adjusts and keeps it out on the off side.

Short and around off, punched off the back foot to long off for one.

FOUR! Good use of the feet! Axar gives it a bit of air and serves it full too, on middle, Babar shimmies down the track and whips it over mid on for a boundary.

Darted in again, on middle, Babar taps it to cover.

Speared in, flat and short, on off, Babar pats it back to Axar.

Floated up from around the wicket, on off, Imam steps out and gets to the pitch of the ball. Pushes it in front of mid off for a quick single.

A change from both ends then as Axar Patel comes into the attack now.

Drags the length back and keeps it on the off stump line, Babar defends it right under his eyes.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Hardik overcooks as he serves it a bit too full, around off, Babar presses forward and crunches the drive along the ground through covers for a boundary.

Honing in at the stumps, fuller in length, Babar tries to flick it away but gets squared up due to the late away movement. Gets a soft leading edge towards cover.

Wide! Sliding well down leg, Babar tries to help it away but misses. 8th wide of the innings already.

At 128.8 kph, wider on off, Babar Azam sees the width on offer and goes for the big booming drive. Miscues it off the inner half of the bat to mid on.

Closer to the batter this time and slightly fuller, Babar shoulders arms again.

A gentle outswinger first up, on a good length, outside off, Babar lets it be.

As expected Mohammad Shami has gone off for some treatment and Hardik Pandya comes in as the first bowling change.

Hurls it fuller, on off, Imam skips down the track and tries to go down the ground with a cross bat. Gets an inside edge onto the pads. End of a tidy over from Harshit.

On the pads, on a length, Imam clips it neatly but picks out the man at mid-wicket.

Wide! Sprayed down leg, Imam tries to tickle but misses. Wide given.

Play and a miss! Short and wide on off, there to be put away, Imam throws his hands at the delivery but the ball bounces a bit more and sails over the horizontal bat.

Beaten for the second time in the over! Rana bashes the hard length and it is around the fifth stump line, Imam hops and has a slight poke at the delivery. Gets beaten on the outside edge.

On the fuller side, on off, Imam stays rooted in the crease and knocks it to mid on with a straight bat.

Beats the bat! Pushes it across the left-hander at 143.8 kph, on a nagging length, Imam-ul-Haq hangs back to defend but the ball leaves him on the angle and zips past the outside edge.

It seems like Mohammad Shami has gone off the field at the moment and Washington Sundar has come on as a substitute fielder.

Over the stumps now. On a back of a length, just around off, Babar Azam punches it straight to cover to end the over.

Bowls from wide of the crease, does Shami and hits the hard length, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq gets on the back foot and works it past backward point for a single.

A slight halt in the play as Mohammad Shami has now signalled to the dressing room. The physio is out to have a look and it seems Shami is struggling with his fitness a bit and his pace has been down in the late 120s kph and early 130s. However, it all seems just a strain rather than an injury and he is good to continue.

JAFFA! Angling in the channel, straightens up off the deck, on off, a yard behind fuller length, Imam-ul-Haq looks to block it straight and is a bit squared up. Plays inside the line and Imam is beaten on the outside edge.

Short of a good length, around off, Imam-ul-Haq rises with the bounce and cuts it to pierce the gap but Ravindra Jadeja at backward point makes an alert stop in the ring.

BEATEN! A real snorter of a delivery! Back of a length, skidding through, nipping away. Imam-ul-Haq pokes at it on the back foot and the ball zips past the outside edge.

On a tad fuller length, outside off, with some extra bit of bounce. Imam-ul-Haq is early into the shot and hits it a bit uppishly but in the gap and through cover for a couple.

Nice and full, around off, driven crisply again, but straight to the cover fielder.

FOUR! And suddenly, Babar has started to middle the balls! Not the best of deliveries from Harshit, outside off, fuller in length, nipping away. Babar Azam takes a good stride forward and cracks the cover drive for a boundary. Also, that brings up Babar Azam's 1,000 runs in ICC ODI events!

Full and pace on, around off, Babar gets on the front foot and hits it to cover.

FOUR! That would provide him with a lot of confidence! Harshit bowls it a bit fuller, angling in from off, Babar Azam gets a bit across and flicks it between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary.

Hard length, at 136.3 kph, on off, Babar Azam gets right behind it and knocks it onto the surface.

Tails into middle and leg, full in length, Babar Azam gets forward and knocks it to the right of the bowler. Hits it from the toe-end of the bat.

A much, much better over from Shami! A tinge of an inward movement, on middle, fuller in length. Imam-ul-Haq prods forward and pushes it gently to the mid on fielder.

Angles into the stumps now, on a fractional fuller length, Imam-ul-Haq pushes it to mid-wicket.

Nagging length, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq strides across and this time, he gets it past covers for a couple of quick runs.

Swing and a miss! Shami takes the angle further wide of off, on a fullish length, nips away. Imam-ul-Haq is invited on the front foot, throws his bat to access the cover drive, but misses to connect.

BEATEN! Bowls from a wider angle now, just a little further up, a yard behind fuller length, nipping away from off, Imam-ul-Haq looks to block it off the back foot, but is beaten on the outside edge.

Swings into the pads, on a length, from around the wickets. Imam-ul-Haq tilts forward and turns it along the ground to deep backward square leg for a couple of more runs.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Babar Azam gets on the back foot and knocks it watchfully to mid-wicket.

Off the mark, is Babar! Good-length delivery from Harshit, nipping back in from off, Babar Azam flicks it across and gets it wide of mid on for a couple of runs. Kuldeep Yadav from the inner ring chases it and keeps it to two.

Angling into the batter on a length, around off and middle, Babar Azam blocks it straight back to the bowler.

Aims the off stump line, on a fractional fuller length, Babar Azam presses forward and blocks it solidly under the bat.

WIDE! Sixth wide overall, in the total of 8 runs scored so far! Back of a length, going down leg. Babar misses to steer it into the leg side. The umpire stretches his arms again to give a Wide.

Good length, nipping back into the right-hander, on off, Babar Azam stands tall, and knocks it out to cover.

Harshit hits the hard length, on top of middle, Imam-ul-Haq hops on the back foot, climbs on the bounce and taps across to mid-wicket for a single.

Corrects the line and also the length, does Shami. Hard length, nipping away from outside off. Babar shoulders arms. Phew, five wides and a single off the first over. Pakistan are 6/0.

Harshit Rana to take the other new ball.

WIDE! Dear me! This is already turning out to be a long, long first over. Swings away from the tramline, on a length. Babar Azam leaves.

WIDE! Another wayward delivery from Shami, tailing way down the leg stump line. Babar misses to glance. Wide given. The fourth wide already.

Comes over the stumps for Babar. Bowls a good-length delivery, just outside off, Babar checks it by prodding forward and offers no shot.

First runs off the bat for Pakistan and Imam is off the mark! Outside off on a good length, nipping away. Imam-ul-Haq throws his bat at it and gets it off the toe-end to deep backward point for a single.

Bowls from the wider angle on a hard length, and gets the ball to nibble away off the deck. Imam leans back and looks to play the square cut, but the ball beats the edge.

WIDE! A rusty start this from Shami! This time the angle is outside off, beyond the tramline on a length. Wide given.

WIDE! Yet another extra! Shami will have to reload that one. Swings down the leg stump line on a length. Left by Imam. Called a wide again!

Hard length, angling on top of off, Imam-ul-Haq hops on the back foot and tucks it across to the leg side.

WIDE! Way too down the leg side, curving further with the inswing. Imam leaves and KL Rahul dives to his right to make a very sharp stop.

With a slip in place, Shami runs in hard from around the stumps and hits the deck hard, around off, angling in. Imam-ul-Haq blocks it solidly off the back foot.

With the anthems done, it is time for the action to commence. There are more blue shirts in the stands, but despite being outnumbered, Pakistan fans will make their presence felt. India are in a huddle near the ropes with Virat Kohli leading the pep talk. The Men in Blue take their positions, followed closely by the two Pakistani openers. With Fakhar Zaman unavailable, Babar Azam has a new opening partner in Imam-ul-Haq. Mohammad Shami will kickstart proceedings for India. A slip in place. Shami to Imam first up. Here we go!

We are inching closer to the first ball of this heavyweight clash. The stadium isn't packed just yet, but it won’t be long before every seat is taken. Right then, Rohit Sharma and Mohammad Rizwan lead their respective sides out for the national anthems. It will be India's national anthem first, followed by that of Pakistan.

The Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma says that it doesn't really matter now what they wanted to do. Mentions that this wicket looks similar to what they played on in the last game and need to bowl well. Adds that the guys in the batting lineup are experienced and this is a great opportunity to do what they do best and give their best as a team. Mentions that the run chase wasn't easy last time around but they powered through it and informs that they are playing with the same team.

The captain of Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan says that it is a good wicket and it doesn't matter how it plays, they just want to post a good total. Says every match is important in the ICC events and hopes that the boys do well this time. Adds they are aware of the conditions and mentions about them having a good record at this venue. Says it is a new day and whatever happened in the last game is in the past. He informs about the one change. Fakhar Zaman is out and Imam-ul-Haq comes in.

India (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Imam-ul-Haq (In for Fakhar Zaman), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

TOSS - Rohit Sharma calls 'heads' but it comes down as tails. Pakistan have elected to BAT first.

PITCH REPORT - Ian Bishop and Sunil Gavaskar are inspecting the pitch. Bishop starts and says that it is a fresh pitch and the overhead conditions are a bit warmer. Informs that it is 70 meters square on either side with 81 meters straight hit. Sunil Gavaskar joins him and expects the pitch to be on the slower side. Expects something similar to what was witnessed in the game between India and Bangladesh. Says there was a hint of turn for the wrist spinners but the finger spinners got assistance as well. Says whichever team bowls well will be able to contain the runs. Mentions that this is the pitch where six-hitting is not that easy and the score around 270 will be a defendable one here.

No matter how much either camp tries to downplay it as just another game, the reality is far from it. Given the history and stakes involved, this is undeniably a high-pressure encounter. Will the situation bring out the best in the defending champions and tournament hosts, Pakistan? Or will India make it two wins out of two and take a big step towards the semifinals? Buckle up, this one promises to be a cracker!

As for India, their win against Bangladesh wasn't convincing but having already played in Dubai, they hold a slight edge. The pitches on the square are unlikely to be too different, and with conditions expected to be slow and low, Rohit Sharma's men might have a better read on how to adapt. India’s dominance over Pakistan in ICC events is well documented, but interestingly, the Men in Green hold the edge in their Champions Trophy encounters, leading the head-to-head with three wins to two.

Not that Pakistan need a reminder, but the tournament tagline 'All on the line' perfectly sums up their situation. After a defeat to New Zealand on the opening night, Mohammad Rizwan and Co. have it all to do. Pakistan have a history of springing surprises in ICC events - either when backed into a corner or when least expected to falter. This time, it's the former, and it all comes down to which version of Pakistan shows up today.

Hello, everyone! The stage is set for a mouthwatering Group A clash on a blockbuster Sunday as arch-rivals India and Pakistan go head-to-head at the Dubai International Stadium. Last night in Lahore, Australia and England delivered an entertaining clash, with the reigning ODI World Cup champions pulling off a stunning chase. Now, it's time for two Asian powerhouses to take centre stage in a contest that promises fireworks!

... MATCH DAY ...

Rivalries in cricket, like in any sport, create electrifying moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats. While the Ashes stand as the oldest and one of the fiercest rivalries between traditional cricketing nations, there exist other matchups that command equal fervor as they occur only during prestigious ICC Tournaments and the Asia Cup. When we speak of certain rivalries, they encompass the collective passion of more than one and a half billion people, stretching far beyond geographical boundaries. Yes, this time of the year has arrived, bringing with it that match of the year, that momentous occasion for which the magnificent Dubai International Cricket Stadium stands ready to erupt with excitement. It’s India vs Pakistan in Match 5 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Both teams enter this Group A clash riding on contrasting results from their opening matches. Pakistan faced a humbling defeat against New Zealand whereas India dominated their counterparts, Bangladesh. In a compact tournament like this, one defeat is enough to peg one team back and Pakistan’s tournament is on the line as they fly to Dubai to face their biggest rivals. Once considered as their fiercest weapon, Pakistan’s pace attack has given underwhelming returns, not only in the previous game but since quite a while now. The likes of Shaheen, Rauf, and Naseem pose express pace, but their sharpness seems to have gone brittle. And with just one frontline spinner in Abrar Ahmed, their spin bowling will be on the radar as to how they fare in slow conditions in Dubai. But their worries do not end here. Their batting unit has struck a huge blow with Fakhar Zaman, their premier opening batter being ruled out due to an injury. Imam-ul-Haq, another southpaw, has been named as his replacement and might be slotted as an opener. Also, a lot has been talked and discussed about the form of Babar Azam and their overall approach towards the format with the bat. With the middle order not inducing the required momentum, including Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan has a lot to ponder. India stride into their next challenge with momentum, despite a closer-than-expected battle against Bangladesh. Mohammad Shami's roaring return with a five-fer has filled Bumrah's shoes admirably, while young Harshit Rana shows promising signs of adapting to international cricket's intensity. While Arshdeep Singh waits in the wings, along with a good bench strength including Varun Chakaravarthy and Washington Sundar as potential spinners, their bowling arsenal packs a serious punch. The batting lineup exudes confidence with Rohit Sharma finding his rhythm. Virat Kohli, too is building ominously and will be up against an opposition he absolutely loves to score, with an admirable average of 50 plus in the ODIs. Shubman Gill has been consistent and is crafting runs with the willow, fortifying the top order. With KL Rahul, being the first choice ahead of Pant, he has anchored the middle order alongside Shreyas Iyer, backed by the versatile Hardik-Jadeja combination, which makes India's batting depth look formidable. Yet eyes will be on how they do around the middle overs with the ball. In the previous game, against Bangladesh, they were a bit sloppy on the field as well, and couldn't strike a single wicket in the middle-over phase. Can the spinners provide crucial breakthroughs in that vital period to ease pressure at the death? As Dubai's pitches keep tiring up and slowing down, this strategic element could prove decisive for team combinations. India went with three proper spinners and is likely to stick with the same attack. For Pakistan, they have only one frontline spinner in Abrar Ahmed, with Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha providing support as part-timers. And it remains to be seen how they tackle the slowish conditions of Dubai with this trio, as they do not have other spin options in their squad. Four consecutive ODI victories for India against Pakistan in their last five meets, and the burning memory of 2017's Champions Trophy final defeat set the stage for an epic encounter. While history and form favor India, Pakistan has defeated India twice in Dubai which makes them tough contenders. Shaheen vs Rohit has always been a battle to watch out for with the new ball, while Virat Kohli has blown hot and cold against wrist spin, and so has Babar Azam. So, a plenty of contests within contests to watch out for. As these giants of Asian cricket prepare for battle, Dubai braces for another classic in this storied rivalry. Let the desert storm begin.