Pakistan have plenty of problems heading into their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, according to former India cricketer Irfan Pathan. After suffering a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening match, questions have been raised about the mindset and intent of Pakistan’s senior players, including Babar Azam and captain Mohammad Rizwan.
Lackluster Performance Against New Zealand
Pakistan’s performance against New Zealand exposed significant weaknesses in their approach. Chasing a stiff target of 321 runs, Pakistan failed to gain momentum early in their innings.
“Their approach was baffling. In a high-pressure chase, you can’t afford to be this defensive,” said Pathan.
- Slow Start: Pakistan scored just 22/2 in the first 10 overs.
- Lack of Intent: Both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan struggled to rotate the strike.
- Failed Acceleration: The team never recovered from the slow start and eventually fell short by a significant margin.
Pakistan’s Problems with Batting Strategy
One of the biggest concerns for Pakistan is their batting mindset. Unlike aggressive teams that dominate powerplays, Pakistan’s conservative approach often leaves them chasing the game.
Key Issues in Their Batting Approach:
- Over-reliance on Seniors – Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are expected to anchor, but their slow strike rate hampers the team.
- Lack of Middle Order Firepower – Pakistan has struggled to find consistent middle-order batters who can accelerate in crunch situations.
- Inability to Adapt to Conditions – While other teams adjust to match situations, Pakistan often sticks to a one-dimensional approach.
Why Pakistan Are Not Favorites Against India
With such glaring issues, Pakistan are not favorites heading into their high-stakes clash against India. Irfan Pathan believes India holds a clear advantage due to their superior batting depth and adaptability.
“India’s aggressive mindset sets them apart. They play fearless cricket, while Pakistan’s outdated approach holds them back.”
Factors Favoring India:
- Explosive Top Order: Indian openers can dominate powerplays.
- Strong Middle Order: Unlike Pakistan, India boasts consistent performers in the middle.
- Adaptability in UAE Conditions: India’s recent experience in the UAE gives them an edge.
Can Pakistan Overcome Their Challenges?
While the criticism is valid, Pakistan still have the talent to turn things around. Their bowling attack, featuring Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, remains a major threat. However, they must fix their batting issues to compete against top sides.
Possible Solutions:
- Aggressive Powerplay Approach – Pakistan must maximize the first 10 overs.
- Flexible Batting Order – Experiment with different combinations to find the right balance.
- Middle Order Stability – Identify and back players who can finish games.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan have plenty of problems, and their poor batting strategy is the biggest concern. If they continue with their defensive mindset, they will struggle in the Champions Trophy 2025. However, with a few strategic changes, they could still emerge as strong contenders. Their upcoming match against India will be the real test of their ability to bounce back and prove critics wrong.
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