3 Pakistan's Weaknesses That India Can Exploit In Champions Trophy 2025

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam [Source: @kashmiriSays_, @SonuKum00171039/x.com]Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam [Source: @kashmiriSays_, @SonuKum00171039/x.com]

The Champions Trophy 2025 has started off with a rather one-side contest between New Zealand and the hosts, Pakistan. While the Black Caps dominated the proceedings in almost all the sectors, Pakistan failed to deliver a quality show throughout the game.

India will start their campaign against Bangladesh in their first game. The Rohit Sharma-led side will be playing their next game against their arch-rivals, Pakistan in their second game on 23rd February.

As India and Pakistan prepare for their exciting clash, here is a look at three weaknesses of Pakistan that were exposed during the first match which India could exploit .

Before looking at the three points, let us look at the scoring rate of Pakistan during the first match - 

Phase (Overs)
Runs Scored
Run Rate
1-1022/22.20
11-2044/04.40
21-3058/15.80
31-4072/37.20
41-5064/39.14

1. Inability To Pace The Innings As Per The Demands Of The Game

One of the major set backs for Pakistan while batting was the fact that Fakhar Zaman was not able to able for them. However, the fact that the Pakistan top order batters failed to pace their innings and scored at just aboe 2 runs per over in the first 10 overs while chasing 321 put them on the back foot very early.

This is a huge weakness that India can look to expose during the clash on 23rd Februrary. Rohit Sharma-led management must try and use their two pacers, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammad Shami to pick up early wickets and push Pakistan on the backfoot early in the game.

2. Lack Of Potency In The Bowling Department

Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf are the bowlers on whom the Pakistan team depended to bring about effectivity and impact during the game. However, the tri failed to deliver the impact that was expected of them.

While Shaheen Afridi conceded nearly 7 runs per over during his 10 over spell and failed to pick up a wicket, Haris Rauf leaked runs uncontrably despite picking up a couple of wickets. The only decent effort came from Naseem Shah.

The collective failure of the bowling unit is something that India can use to their advantage. If the Indian batters can put pressure on Naseem Shah then the Pakistan bowling attack might succumb as a unit.

3. Babar Azam's Inefficiency To Increase The Scoring Rate As Per Demands Of The Game

Babar Azam was sent to open the innings with Pakistan needing 6.4 runs per overs. Instead of trying to stay at par with the required rate, one of the best batters in the line-up went for a defensive attitude and tried to save his wicket. After a few aggressive shots towards the end of an innings, Azam ended his inning with scoring rate of 4.26 runs per over. 

The fact that he scored at a rate which was way below what was required acted as a hindrance for his team. During their clash, India can look to keep Babar on the crease and make him work for his runs even more. His wicket early could be the best thing but even if he stays in the middle strangling him could work in favour of Rohit and co.