Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bat first during the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against India at the Dubai International Stadium. This decision came as both teams prepared for one of cricket's most significant rivalries.
Rizwan’s team faced one change, as they had to make do without their star batter Fakhar Zaman, who was ruled out of the tournament. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma's Indian side remained unchanged, as they looked to build on their solid performance leading up to the clash.
At the toss, Rohit Sharma reflected on the match-up, stating, "Doesn't really matter, they won the toss so we'll bowl first. Looks similar to the last game; the surface is on the slower side. We have an experienced unit in batting, so we know what we need to do if the pitches get slower. Need an overall performance from the team - with bat and ball. The last game wasn't easy for us, which is always nice. You want to be under pressure and test yourself. We are playing the same team."
Conversely, Rizwan was optimistic about their chances, saying, "Will bat first, looks like a good surface. Want to put up a good target. Every match is important in ICC events, we will keep things normal. The boys are familiar with these conditions; we have done well here, and we want to do our best today. We lost our last game, but it is past for us now. One change—Fakhar is out, Imam is in."
Both teams took to the field with high stakes and tension, embodying the fierce rivalry synonymous with the India-Pakistan cricket matches. Historically, these encounters have produced thrilling games packed with drama and excitement, making them some of the most-watched events in the cricketing calendar.
The playing XI for Pakistan includes Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper/captain), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed. On the Indian side, Rohit Sharma leads the same team featuring Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav.
With Rizwan's leadership and the backing of his team, Pakistan hoped to set up a formidable score, positioning themselves for victory. Meanwhile, India's strategy focused on their deep experience and overall team cohesion, relying on their ability to perform under pressure.
The stakes were heightened not only by the competition but by the significance of the ICC Champions Trophy itself, where every match is critically viewed through the lens of performance and national pride. The world was watching as these teams battled it out, eager to showcase their skills and avoid the missteps of their previous encounters.
The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both sides creating a vibrant backdrop for this monumental clash. The venue, Dubai International Stadium, often serves as the battleground for some of the fiercest competitions in cricket, providing the perfect stage for such historic matchups.
By opting to bat first, Pakistan signaled their game plan clearly, aiming to accumulate runs and transfer the pressure onto India early on. Every player had the potential to be the difference-maker, and as the innings unfolded, it became apparent how the game's momentum could shift with each over bowled and each run scored.
The match served as yet another reminder of the legacies these teams are building; every contest only adds to the rich history of cricket between India and Pakistan. Fans remained restless, anticipating not just the outcome of the match but how it would shape their teams' future paths within the tournament.
With everything at stake and the prospects of victory hanging delicately, this match was one for the history books, promising to deliver the flair and competition expected from these cricket giants. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide were glued to their screens, eager to see how the drama would play out as both sides looked to seize the moment and solidify their standings.