Dubai, February 22, 2025: As the countdown begins for the most-anticipated clash of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, arch-rivals Pakistan and India gear up for a high-stakes battle on Sunday with emotions running high across both nations.
Defending champions Pakistan, who stunned India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, find themselves in a precarious position, having won just one of their last eight ODIs against their neighbors. Their latest defeat came in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where India dominated with a seven-wicket victory.
A disappointing 60-run loss against New Zealand in their Champions Trophy opener has left Pakistan in a ‘do or die’ situation, as another defeat would all but eliminate them from the tournament.
In contrast, India, playing all their matches in Dubai, started their campaign strongly with a comfortable win over Bangladesh, reinforcing their status as tournament favorites.
Pakistan have suffered a major setback with Fakhar Zaman ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to an injury sustained against New Zealand.
However, India are also dealing with a significant blow, missing star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, though their bowling attack remains formidable with the likes of Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja.
Pakistan are expected to rely on their traditionally strong fast-bowling attack, featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, as they look to challenge India’s formidable batting lineup, led by Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul.
However, Pakistan’s lack of spin options could be a concern, with Abrar Ahmed as their only specialist spinner, while India fielded three spinners in their opening match.
