India’s vice-captain, Shubman Gill, got a lucky break as Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah dropped a relatively easy catch off Haris Rauf’s bowling. The intense IND vs PAK Champions Trophy clash is taking place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23.
After losing Rohit Sharma (20 off 15), India reached 64/1 at the end of the 10-over powerplay. Pakistan then introduced Haris Rauf for the 11th over, where he nearly struck early, drawing a leading edge from Virat Kohli that landed just short of Naseem Shah at deep third.
Rauf soon tested Shubman Gill with a sharp short delivery, which the batter pulled crisply towards short square leg. However, Khushdil Shah, stationed at the position, spilled a simple catch, giving Gill a crucial reprieve on 35. You can watch the video here:
Will this be the moment of the match#subhmangill#INDvsPAK#ICCChampionsTrophy #goindiago pic.twitter.com/UfhZBTzMTb
— kartheek (@vskartheek) February 23, 2025
Shubman Gill saw out the remainder of the over without adding to his score. In the 13th over, Haris Rauf returned to the attack, only for Virat Kohli to strike him for a couple of boundaries.
Abrar Ahmed Gives Gill Fiery Send-Off, Signals to Dressing Room
Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed produced the delivery of the match to dismiss India’s opener, Shubman Gill, in the 18th over of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Group A clash. The brilliance of the ball even left Virat Kohli at the non-striker’s end visibly impressed. After knocking over Gill’s stumps, Abrar fired a send-off, signaling him towards the pavilion.
Commentating on the match, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar compared the delivery to Ravichandran Ashwin’s carrom ball or flicker. On the third ball of the 18th over, Abrar bowled a sharp leg-break that completely squared up Gill, who was well set at the crease.
The unplayable delivery beat his defense and crashed into the stumps. As Pakistan fans erupted in celebration, Abrar gestured for Gill to head back to the dressing room. Meanwhile, Kohli’s reaction at the other end was priceless, as he appeared in awe of the magical delivery that ended Gill’s knock of 46 off 52 balls.
Shubman Gill dismissed for 46 in 52 balls.
– A good knock by the Vice Captain! 🇮🇳#INDvsPAK #ChampionsTrophy2025 #Gill pic.twitter.com/GdNGSe2Yur
— Rohirat4518 (@cricketnews45r) February 23, 2025
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