The India vs Pakistan rivalry resumes in Dubai in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match starts from 2.30 pm IST with India already having a one-up on Pakistan.
India defeated Bangladesh handsomely in their first match of the campaign. A century from Shubman Gill and crucial knocks from KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma staged the Indian win. Mohammed Shami's fifer on his comeback was the icing on the cake for the Indian team.
Pakistan, on the other hand, lost their campaign opener against New Zealand. They played well below their potential and in the end, the target of 321 was too much for them to handle. Pakistan were bowled out for 260 and lost the match by 60 runs.
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Pakistan On The Brink Of Elimination From Champions Trophy 2025
Heading into their clash against India, this is a do-or-die game for the hosts. A loss against India will all but eliminate them from the tournament. Pakistan who are the defending champions will lose out on a chance to defend their title.
Currently, they are placed fourth on the points table from Group A with a NRR of -1.200. The Kiwis courtesy of their big win against the hosts are well placed at the top of the table with a NRR of +1.200. India are placed second with +0.408. If there are no hiccups, India and New Zealand should qualify for the next round from Group A.
Meanwhile, players from both teams are confident that they have no extra baggage and are all prepared ahead of the mega clash.
"If we want to win against the great teams of the world and be one of the great teams of the world we will have to bring consistency," Pakistan batsman Salman Ali Agha said.
Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf also sounded confident heading into this massive game. He was at the receiving end of some brilliance from Virat Kohli in the T20 World Cup 2022.
"There is no pressure in the match against India, all the players are relaxed and we will take it just like any other match. We have beaten India in Dubai twice before, so we know the conditions here very well. Our entire game plan will depend on the conditions and pitch on match day" said Haris Rauf in the pre-match press conference.
Mohammed Shami also played down any concerns of pressure after his match-winning spell against Bangladesh. He said that as a player one should try and remain focused irrespective of wins or losses.
"After winning there is no point in having a mindset. You should stay in the same frame (habit) when you win a match and when you perform well. I don't think you need to think too much about the ICC tournament or any international match" said Shami.
Meanwhile, Pakistan received a body blow ahead of their match against India with Fakhar Zaman ruled out of the tournament with an injury. He was the one who was responsible for Pakistan beating India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final with his brilliant 114 at The Oval.
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