The world of cricket is set for the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan, taking place tomorrow in the fifth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Considered one of the most intense and storied rivalries in the sport’s history, Rohit Sharma-led India will lock horns with Mohammad Rizwan’s Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Defending champions Pakistan will be under tremendous pressure as they face arch-rivals India, having lost their tournament opener against New Zealand in Karachi. On the other hand, India started their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a six-wicket win over Bangladesh and will look to maintain their winning momentum against Pakistan.
As for the Indian team, key players like captain Rohit Sharma and young gun Shubman Gill, who scored a match-winning century in the previous game, are in fine form. The bowling attack, including Mohammed Shami and Axar Patel—who narrowly missed a hat-trick due to bad luck—has also been effective. However, Virat Kohli’s form remains a slight concern despite the team’s overall strong performance.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s squad faces some setbacks. Middle-order batter Fakhar Zaman sustained an injury in the last match, and it remains uncertain whether he will play in tomorrow’s crucial encounter. Several players, including captain Mohammad Rizwan and bowlers such as Haris Rauf—who conceded 83 runs in 10 overs—and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who went wicketless, need to step up. Their star batter, Babar Azam, scored a fifty against New Zealand but at a low strike rate of 71.11, which did not help Pakistan counter the Kiwi bowling attack.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi admitted that India holds the edge in terms of match-winners. He pointed out that while Pakistan has tested several players, few have demonstrated long-term consistency. Meanwhile, Yuvraj Singh agreed that India has more match-winners but believes Pakistan has an advantage in UAE conditions.
In terms of preparation, the Pakistan team held an extended practice session on Friday, with Babar Azam facing several bowlers. The team trained for three hours at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with all batters except skipper Mohammad Rizwan undergoing an extended 20-minute batting session.
When it comes to the conditions, Pakistan bowling great Waqar Younis feels that the pitch favors India. He highlighted that India has five spinners in their squad, while Pakistan has only one specialist spinner, which could put them at a disadvantage.
As the two teams face off in Dubai, India will aim to extend their winning streak, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma expected to lead the charge with the bat. Meanwhile, Pakistan will look to bounce back and keep their title defense alive. With both teams carrying immense expectations, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry.
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