Watch: Axar Patel executes a brilliant direct hit to dismiss Imam-ul-Haq in IND vs PAK clash

Team India all-rounder Axar Patel chipped in with a stunning direct hit to dismiss Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match. The brilliant piece of fielding from Axar came in the 10th over of the Pakistan innings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23.

India captain Rohit Sharma lost the toss in their Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan, with Mohammad Rizwan opting to bat first. It was India's 12th consecutive toss loss in ODIs, setting an unwanted record for the longest streak of toss defeats. India went into the match with an unchanged playing XI.

Watch: Axar Patel Executes a Brilliant Direct Hit to Dismiss Imam-ul-Haq

On the second ball of the 10th over, Imam-ul-Haq stepped forward and pushed the ball gently towards mid-on. The left-handed batter attempted a quick single, but Axar Patel executed a direct hit at the stumps at the non-striker's end. Imam fell short of the crease and was run out for just 10 runs off 26 balls.

You can watch the video of the wicket below:

pic.twitter.com/HSDz8D0BHi

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Axar Patel will be eager to make an impact with both bat and ball against Pakistan. The left-arm spinner impressed in the previous match against Bangladesh, taking two wickets. He is a useful middle-order batter and was recently promoted to No. 5 ahead of KL Rahul during India's ODI series against England.

Axar Patel Yet to Strike with the Ball in Pakistan Innings

Pakistan got off to a steady start after choosing to bat, benefiting from extras and some loose bowling. Openers Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq built a 41-run partnership before Hardik Pandya provided India with the first breakthrough. Babar had to depart to the dressing room after scoring 23 runs.

At the time of writing, Pakistan are at 72/2 in 17 overs against India's quality bowling attack. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan 10 (23) and Saud Shakeel 16 (27) are at the crease. Axar Patel has bowled just two overs so far, conceding 13 runs without taking a wicket.

The Rhythm Has Gone in This Partnership - Ramiz Raja

Ramiz Raja criticized Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan's approach, stating that the batting pair lacked rhythm and appeared deflated. He emphasized the need for positive intent, adding that merely surviving wouldn't be enough to win the competition. He also pointed out missed opportunities.

"What can Pakistan do at this stage? At times, playing the ball with positive intent can calm you down. This pause should bring the question up to this pair. The rhythm has gone in this partnership, they look deflated. To win this competition they need to be bossing it. At the moment they are just surviving," Ramiz Raja said, as quoted by BBC.

"These are opportunities that Pakistan are missing. Saud Shakeel has let go a bouncer that wasn't such a tough ball to play. He's then let the next one go straight to the keeper. These are relatively low risk shots," he added.

Also read: Babar Azam told to follow Virat Kohli right before IND vs PAK Champions Trophy match