Sat Nov 30 08:20:00 UTC 2024: **India Faces Steep Chase After Pakistan’s Shahzaib Khan Blasts 159 in Thrilling Match**

Dubai – Pakistan posted a challenging 281/7 in their allotted 50 overs against India in a high-stakes match today, setting up a thrilling chase for the Indian team. The innings was dominated by opener Shahzaib Khan’s magnificent 159, a knock studded with 10 sixes and five fours.

Khan’s explosive innings, coupled with a 160-run opening stand alongside Usman Khan (60), set the foundation for Pakistan’s substantial total. While India managed to take wickets at regular intervals – Samarth Nagaraj taking three and Ayush Mhatre two – Khan’s consistent assault proved too much to handle. Another significant partnership of 71 runs between Khan and Mohammad Riazullah (27) further solidified Pakistan’s position.

India’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets. Ayush Mhatre (20) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (1) fell early, putting India on the back foot. Although Andre Siddarth briefly threatened with a promising innings of 15, the Indian batting lineup struggled to maintain momentum against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Pakistan’s pacers, Ali Raza and Abdul Subhan, created early pressure, and the introduction of spinner Naveed Ahmed Khan later in the innings further stifled the Indian run rate. By the end of the innings, India had reached 75/3, needing a further 210 runs with a challenging required run rate. The Indian dressing room was visibly tense as the required run rate continued to climb.

The match ended with India needing a highly improbable run chase. The dramatic contest has left fans eagerly anticipating the second half of the match.

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