India is set to face Pakistan in one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23. This encounter is not just another game; it's steeped in history and rivalry, making it one of the biggest cricket spectacles globally.
With India coming off a solid victory against Bangladesh, winning by six wickets, and Pakistan entering this clash after a disappointing loss to New Zealand by 60 runs, the stakes couldn't be higher for the Men in Green. Pakistan's squad, led by captain Mohammad Rizwan, is under pressure to perform and stay relevant in this tournament, especially after their previous defeat.
The match will kick off at 2:30 PM IST, preceded by the toss at 2 PM IST. Cricket fans can catch all the action on television through the Star Sports and Sports18 networks. For those who prefer to stream the match online, it will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
India's squad features strong players, including captain Rohit Sharma, the prolific Shubman Gill, and experienced stalwart Virat Kohli. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s batting lineup is facing challenges, especially with the absence of Fakhar Zaman due to injury. Imam-ul-Haq has been called up to fill this gap. Following his impressive performance against Bangladesh, where he scored 101 not out, expectations are high for Gill to play another pivotal inning for India.
The head-to-head record adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup. Overall, Pakistan leads the rivalry with 73 wins out of 135 ODIs, with India securing 57 victories. Notably, Pakistan has had the upper hand at the Champions Trophy level, leading with three wins compared to India's two. Their most recent encounter was at the 2017 final, where Pakistan emerged victorious, adding to the layers of stakes for both teams.
Interestingly, since 2018, India has not lost to Pakistan, winning their last six encounters in One Day Internationals (ODIs). This trend puts pressure on the Pakistani side to break the current streak and reclaim their status after recent losses.
Given these dynamics, India seems to be the stronger side heading forward, yet the unpredictability of cricket means anything can happen on the field. Pakistan’s players will be aiming to rise to the occasion, especially after previously disappointing performances.
This match undoubtedly holds significance beyond just points; it is about pride and proving oneself as the dominant side. The atmosphere at the Dubai stadium is expected to be electric, with fans eagerly awaiting what should be another unforgettable chapter in this storied rivalry.