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One of the biggest battles in cricket returns as India and Pakistan face off in the Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A fixture that never fails to deliver high-intensity moments, this match is expected to be no different.
India started their campaign on a strong note, registering a comfortable six-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Their bowlers did a brilliant job in restricting the opposition to 228 before the batters chased it down with ease.
On the other hand, Pakistan struggled in their first outing, suffering a disappointing defeat against New Zealand. Their bowling lacked control, and the batting effort was not convincing enough. With Fakhar Zaman ruled out, they will need a strong collective effort to compete with a well-balanced Indian side.
With recent form favoring India, they enter this game as slight favorites, but Pakistan’s unpredictable nature means anything can happen on the day.
Match Details
| Match | India vs Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 25th February 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Format | ODI (50 overs per side) |
Teams Preview
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan’s tournament opener exposed key issues that need urgent attention. Their bowling unit struggled to contain New Zealand, conceding 320 runs, while the batting lacked intent during the chase. Losing Fakhar Zaman is a further setback, and Imam-ul-Haq has been drafted in as his replacement.
Babar Azam remains the key figure at the top, and he will need to anchor the innings while also increasing the scoring rate when required. Mohammad Rizwan is another vital player, with his ability to rotate the strike and accelerate when needed. Middle-order batters like Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah must show more urgency to give Pakistan a competitive edge.
The pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, has the potential to trouble India’s top order. However, their consistency will be tested, particularly on a slower Dubai pitch. Abrar Ahmed’s leg-spin will be crucial in the middle overs against India’s experienced batting lineup.
Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:
Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
India Preview
India made a solid start to their Champions Trophy campaign with an all-round performance against Bangladesh. Their bowlers restricted the opposition to a modest total, and the chase was anchored by Shubman Gill’s magnificent unbeaten century.
The batting lineup remains India’s biggest strength, with Rohit Sharma and Gill forming a formidable opening pair. Virat Kohli’s form may not be at its peak, but his record against Pakistan makes him a key player. The middle order, featuring Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, will be crucial in absorbing pressure and finishing strongly.
The bowling attack looks well-rounded, with Mohammed Shami leading the pace unit after his impressive five-wicket haul in the last match. Harshit Rana and the spin trio of Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav add further depth to India’s bowling resources. Given the conditions in Dubai, spinners will have a major role in keeping Pakistan’s batters in check.
India Predicted Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeeper | Mohammad Rizwan |
| Batters | Shubman Gill, Babar Azam, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli |
| All-rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel |
| Bowlers | Shaheen Afridi, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav |
Pitch Report
Dubai International Cricket Stadium has historically offered a balanced surface, providing assistance to both batters and bowlers.
- Batting Conditions: The surface is on the slower side, meaning batters will need to work for their runs. The average first-innings score at this venue is around 219, making it important for teams to post a competitive total.
- Pace Bowling: Fast bowlers may find some early swing, but once the ball softens, stroke play becomes easier.
- Spin Bowling: Spinners will play a big role in the middle overs, with the dry surface allowing them to extract some turn.
Toss Prediction: Bat First
Given the nature of the pitch and recent results, setting a target could be the preferred option. While chasing has been the preferred strategy in recent matches, the slightly sticky wicket seen in previous games might tempt captains to bat first.
Winning Prediction
India hold the edge heading into this contest due to their strong recent form. Their batting unit appears to be in better shape, and their bowlers, particularly Mohammed Shami, looked sharp in the last game.
Pakistan, however, can never be ruled out in a big match. If their fast bowlers strike early and their middle order steps up, they could pose a serious challenge. However, based on overall balance and recent performances, India are the favorites to win this blockbuster encounter!
India Will Win
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