The most anticipated showdown of the cricket world is set to unfold today at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, where arch-rivals Pakistan and India will go head-to-head for Champions Trophy 2025.
This highly charged fifth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 holds immense emotional significance for cricket fans. It is also a crucial test of nerves and skills for both teams as they aim to showcase their best performances.
The Pakistan team has worked hard to overcome its weaknesses and has prepared rigorously for this high-stakes encounter.
All eyes are on star players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, who are expected to play a pivotal role in securing victory for their team.
Pakistani cricket lovers are hopeful for a run-fest from Babar Azam, while they eagerly await a magical spell from Shaheen Afridi.
Pakistan showcased an impressive run chase at home, successfully hunting down 353 against South Africa in a recent tri-nation tournament. However, they faltered in the final, collapsing for 242 in a loss to New Zealand.
Their campaign took a major hit on Wednesday when key batsman Fakhar Zaman sustained a muscle injury, ruling him out of the competition. Imam-ul-Haq has been brought in as his replacement for the squad that famously triumphed over India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final.
The last time these sub-continental rivals met in a Champions Trophy match was the 2017 final, where Pakistan emerged victorious, claiming both the win and the trophy.
That victory remains Pakistan’s last ODI win over India, as Rohit Sharma’s men have since dominated the rivalry, claiming victory in five of the last six encounters, with one match abandoned due to rain.
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