India all-rounder Axar Patel has shared the thought process behind his brilliant direct hit that sent Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq back to the pavilion during their high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash in Dubai on February 23.
The crucial run-out occurred in the 10th over when Imam, looking to rotate the strike after Babar Azam’s dismissal, attempted a quick single against left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
However, Axar was quick to react, gathering the ball swiftly and nailing a direct hit at the non-striker’s end. Imam was caught short, departing for just 10 runs, leaving Pakistan struggling at 47/2 in 9.2 overs.
Reflecting on the moment, Axar Patel revealed that he had visualized the dismissal even before the delivery, anticipating that Imam-ul-Haq might attempt a risky run.
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“The ball before, I was already thinking that he might look for a quick single, and if he did, I could execute a direct hit,” Axar told the ICC.
“I was standing a few steps back but charged in quickly. The movement played out exactly as I expected, and I was able to hit the stumps directly.”
The Indian all-rounder further explained that he had done his homework on Imam’s tendencies, noting that the left-hander often looks for quick singles, especially against spinners.
“When I came on to bowl during the powerplay, he had taken a single through mid-off where Harshit Rana was fielding,” he added.
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“I had seen in videos that he frequently steps out against spinners to sneak quick runs. So, I had this scenario in mind, and when the moment came, I was ready.”
Pakistan’s batting woes continued in the match as they failed to post a challenging total against their arch-rivals. After being bundled out for 241, India chased down the target comfortably with six wickets in hand, thanks to a masterful century by Virat Kohli.
With back-to-back losses against New Zealand and India, Pakistan’s title defense came to an early end as they crashed out of the tournament before the semifinals.
The Green Shirts will now face Bangladesh in their final group-stage match on February 27 in Rawalpindi, but the result will have no bearing on their campaign.
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