Pakistan gears up for high-octane clash with India

Defending champions and tournament hosts Pakistan are set to face arch-rivals India in a highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan, who began their campaign with a 60-run loss to New Zealand in Karachi, will be looking to make a strong comeback in what is expected to be a thrilling contest.

Pakistan’s preparations took a hit with the injury of opener Fakhar Zaman, ruling him out of the tournament. 

Imam-ul-Haq has been named as his replacement and is expected to open the innings alongside Babar Azam.

In a bid to strengthen their batting lineup, Pakistan is likely to make two changes, bringing in Imam-ul-Haq and middle-order batter Kamran Ghulam in place of Tayyab Tahir.

Meanwhile, the participation of Usman Khan remains uncertain, as he is yet to make his ODI debut and is currently struggling with form.

Pakistan is expected to retain its pace attack, comprising Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, along with Abrar Ahmed as the lone specialist spinner.

Historically, Pakistan and India have faced off five times in Champions Trophy history. Pakistan holds the upper hand with three victories, while India has won twice.

Their most recent encounter in the 2017 Champions Trophy final saw Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, thrash India by 180 runs, securing their maiden Champions Trophy title emphatically.

In ODI history, the two teams have played 135 matches, with Pakistan winning 73 and India emerging victorious in 57. Five matches ended without a result.

Pakistan’s likely playing XI 

Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.