Abrar Ahmed, the mystery spinner, emerged as the only notable performer for Pakistan during the team's unsuccessful effort to defend a total of 242 against India in Dubai. He concluded his spell with figures of 1 for 28 across 10 overs, which included a remarkable delivery that dismissed the in-form Shubman Gill. Even Virat Kohli, while on his way to a record century in the Champions Trophy match, was so impressed by Ahmed's performance that he approached the bowler to shake hands and commend him. Nevertheless, Ahmed faced criticism on social media for his send-off gesture towards Gill.

Gill entered the match following a century against Bangladesh in India's Champions Trophy opener and appeared poised to achieve another fifty-plus score until Ahmed's carrom ball left him perplexed. The sharp delivery in the 18th over caught Gill off guard, resulting in a dismissal that struck the middle and leg stumps.

After taking Gill's wicket, Ahmed gestured for the Indian vice-captain to head towards the dressing room. This celebration, however, did not resonate well with fans online, who expressed their discontent towards the spin bowler.

Pakistan's fate hinges on Bangladesh

Following two matches in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan finds itself on the brink of elimination. The team suffered a defeat in their opening match in Karachi last week, losing to New Zealand by 60 runs, and subsequently fell to India by six wickets in Dubai on Sunday.

Nevertheless, there remains a glimmer of hope for Pakistan. If Bangladesh secures a victory against New Zealand on Monday in Rawalpindi, Pakistan could still have a chance to advance. They would need to triumph over Bangladesh in their final home game and rely on India to defeat New Zealand.

However, Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has already acknowledged the precarious situation of the team. In a media interaction following the match against India, he stated, "At this point, we must accept that it’s over—that is the reality. We will observe Bangladesh's performance against New Zealand and how New Zealand fares against India, but it appears to be a long shot. Our destiny is no longer within our control. As a captain, I prefer not to depend on external factors. If we are to win, it should be on our own terms, without relying on others. I am indifferent to other outcomes. We recognize that both India and New Zealand have bested us, and we did not perform to our potential."

Read Also: Pakistan’s Road to Champions Trophy Semis: What Needs to Happen After India Defeat

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