Dot Balls and Pot Falls: When Pakistan played Hide and Seek with Runs

Pakistan's early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 had been already confirmed earlier after their loss against India, then the victory of New Zealand against Bangladesh. The previous champions were confronted with an aging batting strategy as they encountered on average 145 dot balls in both innings throughout the year. Against India, Pakistan used 61 dot balls in the powerplay and were unable to accelerate in the middle overs, with Mohammad Rizwan also at fault for his slow 46 off 77 balls. Their 46.96 boundary percentage is among the lowest in the tournament, an indication of their failure to compensate for dot balls.

India's well-drilled bowling, spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav (3/40), limited Pakistan to 241, and a centurion unbeaten by Virat Kohli made the chase an easy affair. Pakistan's dependence on caution and middle-order failures have laid bare their weaknesses in contemporary ODI cricket.

Source: The New Indian Express, NDTV Sports