ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan vs India Match Preview and Predictions
Image credits: AP, AFP
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is underway, and one of the most highly anticipated matches is between Pakistan and India, scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 23, at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This match is crucial for both teams, as Pakistan seeks to defend their title, while India aims to claim victory in the tournament. The Champions Trophy is one of the most prestigious tournaments in international cricket, and this match is expected to be a thrilling encounter between two of the best teams in the world.
Pakistan, the host nation and second favorites to win the tournament, will face a tough challenge from India, who are tipped to win the tournament. The match is expected to draw huge television audiences and attention from all parts of the globe, given the intense rivalry between the two teams. Pakistan's opening match against New Zealand did not go as planned, as they suffered a 60-run defeat, while India started their campaign with a six-wicket win against Bangladesh. The cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see how these two teams will perform in this high-stakes match.
India's team management will have to make some tough decisions regarding their playing XI, particularly with regards to their pace attack. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are two options being considered, with Arshdeep's ability to move the new ball making him a strong contender. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be without the services of Fakhar Zaman, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to an oblique tear. Imam-ul-Haq is expected to replace him in the playing XI and open the batting alongside Babar Azam. The ICC has approved Imam-ul-Haq's inclusion in the squad, and he is ready to take on the challenge.
The predicted playing XI for India includes Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Mohammed Shami. Pakistan's likely playing XI includes Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed. The match is expected to be a closely contested encounter, with both teams having a strong chance of winning. Here are the predicted match scores and player statistics:
- Pakistan: 280/8 (50 overs)
- India: 285/5 (48 overs)
- Top scorers: Babar Azam (75), Virat Kohli (80)
- Top wicket-takers: Shaheen Shah Afridi (3), Kuldeep Yadav (2)
The tournament schedule is as follows:
- Sunday, February 23: Pakistan vs India (Dubai)
- Monday, February 24: New Zealand vs Bangladesh (Abu Dhabi)
- Tuesday, February 25: England vs South Africa (Sharjah)
- India: 1st
- Pakistan: 2nd
- England: 3rd
- South Africa: 4th
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