Saud Shakeel makes massive revelation about pitch condition before India begin 242-run chase in IND vs PAK Champions Trophy clash, says 'Pitch was slightly...'

Mohammed Rizwan-led Pakistan cricket team got all out for 241 runs after electing to bat first in match 5 of the ongoing edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which is being played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, on February 23 (Sunday). Star batter Saud Shakeel was the only batter from the Men in Green side that managed to reach the fifty-run mark where most of their batting failed to perform.

Saud Shakeel on pitch condition

Saud Shakeel who scored a crucial 62 runs off 76 balls for Pakistan revealed that the ball was not coming nicely on the bat and it is also offering some swing. He added that the pitch is a little slow. Shakeel said they will have to take early wickets in order to build pressure on them.

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"I could have easily taken some more time there, it was not a good time to get out. Earlier, the ball wasn't coming onto the bat that nicely. Little bit of swing as well. As the spinners came, we made some runs there. The pitch was slightly on the slower side. We have to put up a fight there. If we take early wickets, we can put pressure on them. We have to strike early," said Shakeel after the end of Pakistan's innings.

Pakistan all out for 241 runs

Pakistan lost two early wickets in Dubai after getting off to a good start. Imam ul Haq got run out after scoring 10, and before him, Babar was dismissed for 23. Imma played toward mid-on and then went for the run. The ball was swiftly picked up by Axar Patel, who threw it directly at the stumps. After the second wicket fell, Mohammad Rizwan joined Saud Shakeel. Pakistan might most likely be eliminated from the 2025 Champions Trophy if they lose here.

However, after their departure, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel steadied the ship by joining a crucial partnership. Shakeel even smashed a fifty and Both of them joined a 104-run partnership and revived their innings.

Indian bowlers then managed to get quick wickets and also dismissed two more batters in short intervals. First Hardik got rid of Saud Shakeel and later Ravindra Jadeja bowled Tayyab Tahir. Later, Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Salman Agha and Shaheen Afridi on back-to-back deliveries further breaking Pakistan's back. Pakistan eventually got all out for 241 runs.