'Dont' Confuse...':  Ashwin Defends Pakistan’s Slow Batting With Sharp Tweet

Jatin

Ravichandran Ashwin defended Pakistan's batting [Source: @RamanRo45, @bebra_beb/x.com]Ravichandran Ashwin defended Pakistan's batting [Source: @RamanRo45, @bebra_beb/x.com]

Pakistan’s batting in the Champions Trophy 2025 has raised quite a few eyebrows and after another slow start against India in Dubai, questions started flying. However, Ravichandran Ashwin wasn’t having any of it.

The Indian off-spinner took to X to back the Pakistani batters, pointing out that the sluggish batting wasn’t entirely their fault and it was the Dubai pitch playing tricks.

Ashwin’s Take On The “Tired Pitches” In Dubai

Ravichandran Ashwin, never one to shy away from cricketing discussions, tweeted:

“Tired pitches in Dubai, don’t confuse Pakistan’s previous batting innings to this one. Wasn’t the easiest of chases in the last game here.”



The offie made it clear that Pakistan’s struggles weren’t just down to their batting approach but also to the worn-out nature of the pitch.

He even referenced India’s six-wicket win against Bangladesh at the same venue, where the Men in Blue took 46.3 overs to chase down 229, proving that batting wasn’t exactly a cakewalk.

Pakistan’s PowerPlay Struggles Continue

Pakistan’s struggles in the first 10 overs have been a talking point throughout the tournament. Against New Zealand in Karachi, they recorded their lowest-ever PowerPlay score in Pakistan, managing just 22/2 in 10 overs. Now, against India in Dubai, their batters once again found it tough to get going.

Pakistan Steady at 137/2 After 31 Overs

Despite the slow start, Pakistan found some stability in the middle overs. At the time of writing, Saud Shakeel is batting on 50, and Mohammad Rizwan is on 41, guiding Pakistan to 137/2 in 31 overs.