The much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan fixture in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was nothing short of thrilling. With Pakistan in a must-win situation, their skipper Mohammad Rizwan held a crucial role in guiding his team to a respectable total. However, his slow-paced innings and eventual dismissal became a turning point in the game, allowing India to take firm control.
Mohammad Rizwan’s Crucial Innings
Rizwan walked to the crease at a critical moment, with Pakistan at 47/2. He started cautiously, carefully handling the Indian attack while ensuring he stayed at the crease. His approach, however, was criticized for being too slow, as he ended up scoring 46 runs off 77 balls at a strike rate of just 59.74.
In the 33rd over, Rizwan took a risk against a wider delivery, advancing down the track and skying it toward mid-wicket. Harshit Rana sprinted in but failed to complete the catch despite a desperate dive, granting Rizwan a crucial lifeline.
Axar Patel’s Game-Changing Moment
Though Rizwan survived that chance, his luck soon ran out. Axar Patel, displaying brilliant control, delivered a ball that completely deceived Rizwan. As the Pakistani captain advanced down the track to play an aggressive shot, he missed the ball entirely, which crashed into the stumps, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble.
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Rizwan’s wicket came at a crucial moment. His slow scoring rate had already put Pakistan under pressure, and his dismissal meant that the middle order had to step up quickly.
Babar Azam’s Quick Start and Early Departure
Babar Azam, looking to redeem himself after a sluggish knock against New Zealand, started strong. His aggressive approach was refreshing, but he couldn’t convert it into a big score. Hardik Pandya’s precision bowling eventually got the better of Babar. His dismissal further derailed Pakistan’s innings, making the job even harder for the middle order. Having lost to New Zealand earlier, Pakistan faced a do-or-die scenario. A defeat against India would mean their exit from the tournament.
Mohammad Rizwan’s Record-Breaking Slow Innings
Rizwan’s 46 off 77 balls is among the slowest knocks by a Pakistan wicketkeeper in ODIs. His strike rate of 59.74 places him third on the list of slowest knocks in Pakistan’s history. His slow batting significantly limited Pakistan’s ability to set a challenging target, putting additional pressure on the bowlers. In fact, on record, where data available, Rizwan’s 46 today is the third-slowest knock by a Pakistan wicketkeeper ever.
Slowest knock by a Pakistan wicketkeeper this century (min 75 balls)
Mohammad Rizwan – 46 off 77 balls (SR 59.74) vs IND in Dubai, 2025
Mohammad Rizwan – 46 off 76 balls (SR 60.52) vs NZ in Karachi, 2025
Moin Khan – 52 off 78 balls (SR 66.66) vs NZ in Wellington, 2004
Slowest knock by a Pakistan wicketkeeper in ODI history (min 75 balls)
Moin Khan – 37* off 77 balls (SR 48.05) vs NZ in Sharjah, 1996
Aamer Malik – 69 off 116 balls (SR SR 59.48) vs SL in Perth, 1989
Mohammad Rizwan – 46 off 77 balls (SR 59.74) vs IND in Dubai, 2025
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