WEBDESK: The Pakistan vs India game in the Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place on Sunday, 23rd February in Dubai International Stadium.
Dating back to 1952, Pakistan vs India is an intense rivalry that has stood the test of time. Anticipation for the clash has reached a fever peak, given that the last game between the two cricketing giants was in 2023 at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where India claimed a seven wicket win. The two sides also met last year at the T20 World Cup, where India won by just six runs.
It’s reached a point where if Pakistan don’t win, they face the threat of being eliminated from the competition.
Recent form
Pakistan: Pakistan’s recent form seems match-dependent. New Zealand have beaten them three times in 2025, including in the tournament opener and the tri-series final. But Pakistan also beat South Africa leading up to the ICC Champions Trophy, which follows up from their 3-0 One Day International (ODI) series sweep of the South African team in December, and a 2-1 series win over Australia.
India: They have eight wins from their last nine games and are unbeaten in their last 4 ODI’s. India dominated in their series win over against England leading up to the Champions Trophy. They defeated Bangladesh with considerable ease in their first Champions Trophy match. With Jasprit Bumrah missing, they have shown that they can overcome their problems and win against anyone.
Player Spotlight for the Pakistan vs India game
Babar Azam: The star batsman recently lost his position as the game’s no.1 ODI batsman to Shubman Gill. Babar has a point to prove in the Pakistan vs India game and any resistance that Pakistan put up will be hugely dependent on Babar Azam. He will be looking to score big and reclaim his status as the “King.” 2024 was a bit of a dry stretch for Babar Azam but perhaps his 64 runs stop-start innings against New Zealand was the confidence boost he needed to return to form.
Shaheen Afridi: Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi has his work cut for him in the Pakistan vs India game. Bowling against a batting lineup that contains Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer would be a difficult task for anyone. The fast bowler will need to be on song if Pakistan have any hope of beating the explosive Indian batting unit.
Shubman Gill: Shubman Gill is the current no.1 ODI batsman in the world. It comes as no surprise than that he is the danger man for Pakistan vs India game and the men in green will be looking to target his wicket early in the game. After his unbeaten century against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy opener, he will be high in confidence and form.
Muhammad Shami: Muhammad Shami is a different player when it comes to ICC tournaments. He took 24 wickets in 7 games at the ODI world Cup in 2023 and began the Champions Trophy campaign with a 5-wicket haul against the Bangladesh cricket team. He will lead the line for India in the Pakistan vs India game.
Interesting Stats
- India have won nine of their last 11 completed ODIs against Pakistan, across the World Cup, Champions Trophy and Asia Cup.
- Pakistan have beaten India in three out of five matches in the Champions Trophy, including the 2017 final.
- Kohli needs 15 runs to become only the third man – and the fastest among them – to score 14,000 ODI runs.
“If you remove pressure, then what remains in an India-Pakistan game? A player needs that pressure to show his wares.” said Aaqib Javed, Pakistan’s ODI and T20I coach.
That statement sums up the game. For Pakistan, it could spell disaster if they lose as they will be knocked out of their home tournament.
Read more: How many times has Pakistan beaten India in Champions Trophy
