Watch: Axar Patel's bullet throw sends Imam-ul-Haq packing during IND vs PAK Champions Trophy clash

Axar Patel's sensational throw sends Imam-ul-Haq packing. (Photo: JioHotstar)

IND vs PAK: The first powerplay of the India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was nothing short of electrifying. The drama began right away as Mohammed Shami bowled an extended 11-ball first over before leaving the field due to an apparent ankle issue. His absence, however, didn’t slow India down. Hardik Pandya, stepping in for Shami, struck a massive blow by dismissing Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam. The momentum continued to shift in India’s favor with a moment of brilliance from Axar Patel, whose pinpoint direct hit sent Imam-ul-Haq packing. The Dubai International Stadium erupted in thunderous cheers, reflecting the intensity of this high-stakes encounter.

Brought into the attack, Kuldeep delivered a regulation full-length ball, which Imam-ul-Haq stepped down to and pushed towards mid-on. Looking to show intent, Imam set off for a quick single, but Axar Patel, stationed inside the 30-yard circle, reacted swiftly. Moving quickly, he fired in a stunning direct hit, shattering the stumps and securing India's second wicket of the match.

Also Read - 'Definitely slow compared to Bangladesh': Mohammed Shami raises heartbeat with injury scare, Hardik Pandya replaces pacer

Checkout the video and reactions of the run-out here...

! Axar Patel with a stunning direct hit and Imam-ul-Haq is caught short! A moment of brilliance in the #GreatestRivalrycan Pakistan recover from this setback? #ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star pic.twitter.com/vkrBMgrxTi
Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 23, 2025

Axar Gandalf Patel: . : JioHotstar | #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/qrGLpgmCIh Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 23, 2025

AXAR PATEL, IT'S AXAR PATEL.THE MAN WITH GOLDEN ARM, WHAT A THROW . pic.twitter.com/v3f9gaaYL9 Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) February 23, 2025

Axar Patel #PAKvIND #ChampionsTrophy #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/nPNn27HT2B Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 23, 2025

India faced an early setback when experienced pacer Mohammed Shami walked off the field after bowling just three overs due to an injury. This forced captain Rohit Sharma to rethink his bowling strategy, bringing Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav into the attack.

Coming to the famous rivalry, the last time India and Pakistan met in the Champions Trophy was back in 2017, where Pakistan defeated India in the final by 180 runs in London.

Pakistan made one change – Fakhar Zaman is ruled out owing to an injury sustained in the opening game. Imam ul Haq came in as his replacement in the eleven. India went with the same winning combination from the previous game against Bangladesh.