Virat Kohli and Babar Azam share a heartwarming moment ahead of India vs Pakistan clash in Champions Trophy – see pics | Cricket News

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam (Video seize)

NEW DELHI: Batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Babar Azam shared a heartwarming moment ahead of the a lot-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 encounter between India and Pakistan on the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
As Babar, in full batting gear, walked out to open the innings alongside Imam-ul-Haq, he was greeted by Kohli with a heat embrace. The gesture of sportsmanship between the 2 batting icons rapidly went viral, capturing the feelings of cricket followers worldwide and setting a constructive tone earlier than the excessive-stakes clash.
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Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan received the toss and opted to bat first, making one change in the taking part in XI by bringing in Imam-ul-Haq for the injured Fakhar Zaman. Fakhar was dominated out of the event after being half of their event opener.
With their event hopes hanging by a thread after a heavy 60-run defeat towards New Zealand, Pakistan confronted immense strain in this should-win encounter.

India, then again, entered the match with confidence, having crushed Bangladesh by six wickets in their opening fixture. A victory towards Pakistan would all however safe India’s place in the semi-finals, whereas a loss would just about finish Pakistan’s title defence.
However, the beginning of the match was removed from ideally suited for India, as skilled pacer Mohammed Shami bowled an erratic opening over, conceding 5 wides in an 11-ball spell.
The gripping encounter is anticipated to ship excessive-depth motion, however the Kohli-Babar moment of camaraderie stays one of the early highlights of this marquee clash.

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