Pakistan began their highly anticipated Group A match against India in the Champions Trophy with a promising start, however, their momentum was abruptly halted by two early dismissals, allowing India to regain control of the game. Hardik Pandya dismissed Babar Azam, and shortly after, Imam-ul-Haq was run out in a moment of rash decision-making.
Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri poke funs at Imam Ul Haq's run-out by mentioning Inzamam Ul Haq
The manner of Imam-ul-Haq's dismissal became a point of discussion in the commentary box. During the 10th over, Imam-ul-Haq attempted a quick single off a Kuldeep Yadav delivery, pushing the ball towards mid-on. Axar Patel's sharp fielding resulted in a direct hit on the stumps, leaving Imam well short of his ground despite a desperate dive. The commentary panel, consisting of Ravi Shastri, Wasim Akram, and Sunil Gavaskar, humorously commented on the run-out, referencing former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and his uncle, adding a lighthearted touch to the analysis of the dismissal. Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed having scored 10 runs from 26 balls.
Imam-ul-Haq's connection to former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, being his nephew, added another layer to the commentary surrounding his run-out. Ravi Shastri highlighted Imam's tendency to be run out, noting that he had been dismissed in this fashion six times. He then contrasted this with Inzamam's record of 46 run-outs in international cricket, a testament to his own history with this type of dismissal.
The discussion further delved into Inzamam's past encounters with run-outs against India, recalling a specific incident in 2005. Additionally, his controversial dismissal for 'obstructing the field' during a 2006 ODI against India, where he interfered with a throw from Suresh Raina, was brought up. These previous incidents, combined with Imam's recent run-out, led Ravi Shastri to jokingly question Inzamam whether a predisposition to such dismissals was a family trait.
Wasim Akram while replying to Shastri's comment, said:
"No comment. Inzy will get upset. But I might be there somewhere as well. I wasn't the best runner in the world. It (Imam's run-out) was kind of a suicide run. There was no need for it. He was well set, and then that silly decision by Imam-ul-Haq. He is back in the dressing room."
Later, Gavaskar too joined the party and said:
"Ravi, you asked whether it runs in the family? I think there's no run in it."
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first against India. While India didn't tinker with their playing XI, Pakistan made one change to their fold as they brought in Imam Ul Haq in place of Fakhar Zaman, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the Champions Trophy after sustaining injury during match against New Zealand.
After Imam Ul Haq's dismissal, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel came to Pakistan's rescue to rallied from 47/2 to 142/2 as of 32 overs.
India's Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav
Pakistan's Playing XI:
Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
