Sun Feb 23 11:02:02 UTC 2025: **India Makes Strong Start Against Pakistan in Champions Trophy**

Dubai, UAE – India got off to a flying start in their Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan, dismissing two key Pakistani batsmen within the first 50 runs. Hardik Pandya claimed the first wicket, while Axar Patel’s direct hit from the field resulted in the second, leaving Pakistan struggling at 99/2 after 25.1 overs.

Babar Azam (23) and Imam-ul-Haq (10) were the early casualties. Pakistan’s experienced opener, Fakhar Zaman, is absent due to injury.

India, having convincingly defeated Bangladesh in their opening match, opted to bowl first after losing the toss. The match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, is being broadcast live on Star Sports and Sports 18, with live streaming available on Jio Hotstar.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan is legendary. Pakistan holds a slight edge in overall ODI encounters (73-57), but India is aiming for revenge after losing the 2017 Champions Trophy final. The head-to-head record in the Champions Trophy itself favors Pakistan (3-2).

**Playing XIs:**

**India:** Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav.

**Pakistan:** Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

The match began at 2:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time). Further updates will follow as the match progresses.

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