India and Pakistan are set to clash in a highly anticipated match at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai on Sunday. This game is crucial for both teams as they compete for a spot in the semi-finals from Group A.
India, led by Rohit Sharma, started their campaign on a strong note with a six-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Meanwhile, defending champions Pakistan faced a setback, losing to New Zealand by 60 runs in their tournament opener at the National Stadium in Karachi.
For Pakistan, this match is a do-or-die situation, as a loss would severely dent their chances of making it to the semi-finals. On the other hand, a victory for India would almost secure their place in the final four of this eight-team tournament.
In their last ODI encounter during the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad, India comfortably defeated Pakistan by seven wickets, with Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer both scoring half-centuries. However, Pakistan holds fond memories of their 2017 Champions Trophy final victory over India at The Oval, where they denied India their second title in the tournament.
Despite that loss, India has had the upper hand in recent years, remaining unbeaten against Pakistan in their last six ODIs since 2018, including the 2023 Asia Cup group-stage match that ended in a washout. Their latest meeting came in the 2024 T20 World Cup group stage in New York, where India secured a thrilling nine-run victory. Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional spell of 3/14 earned him the Player of the Match award, and India went on to lift their second T20 World Cup title after defeating South Africa in the final.
With both teams eager to make a mark in this high-pressure encounter, fans can expect an exciting battle between two of cricket’s biggest rivals.
READ| India vs Pakistan Head to Head in Champions Trophy and ODI Cricket
IND vs PAK 2025: Key Batsmen, Bowlers and Allrounders to Watch
1. Rohit Sharma (India)
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, will be in the spotlight from the moment he walks out for the toss. Fans and experts will be eager to see his decision if he wins the toss. As an opener, Rohit plays a crucial role in giving India a strong start, whether setting a target or chasing. He was in good touch against Bangladesh, scoring 41 runs off 36 balls with seven boundaries. However, he will also be looking to redeem himself after being dismissed for a duck in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan.
Format | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
ODIs | 269 | 261 | 11029 | 264 | 49.01 | 32 | 57 | 1031 | 338 |
2. Shubman Gill (India)
Vice-captain Shubman Gill has been in outstanding form, entering this match with back-to-back centuries. His unbeaten 101 against Bangladesh helped India secure a win in challenging batting conditions. Alongside Rohit, he will be aiming to provide a solid start against Pakistan’s fast bowlers.
Format | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
ODIs | 51 | 51 | 2688 | 208 | 62.51 | 8 | 15 | 305 | 58 |
3. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, will have multiple responsibilities—leading the team, keeping wickets, and contributing with the bat. With the added pressure of an India-Pakistan clash, his captaincy decisions will be closely analyzed. His performance with the bat will also be key to Pakistan’s chances.
Format | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
ODIs | 87 | 78 | 2526 | 131* | 42.1 | 4 | 15 | 213 | 33 |
4. Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Babar Azam will be under pressure to accelerate his scoring against India. He faced criticism for his slow 64 off 90 balls in Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand, where they were chasing a big total. With Fakhar Zaman ruled out due to injury, Babar will have to anchor the innings and ensure a steady scoring rate.
Format | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
ODIs | 127 | 124 | 6083 | 158 | 55.8 | 19 | 35 | 560 | 63 |
5. Mohammed Shami (India)
With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, Mohammed Shami has taken charge of India’s pace attack. He made a strong impact against Bangladesh, claiming five wickets for 53 runs in his 10 overs. Having returned from injury, he will be a key bowler for India, especially against Pakistan’s top order.
Format | Mat | Balls | Wkts | Ave | 4w | 5w | 10w |
ODIs | 104 | 5140 | 202 | 23.63 | 10 | 6 | 0 |
6. Virat Kohli (India)
Virat Kohli remains a vital player in any Indian match. Though not in his best form, he thrives on high-pressure games and will be eager to make a difference against Pakistan. His contribution goes beyond batting—his energy on the field and ability to inspire his teammates can have a significant impact.
Format | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
ODIs | 298 | 286 | 13985 | 183 | 57.78 | 50 | 73 | 1311 | 152 |
7. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)
Shaheen Afridi had a tough outing against New Zealand, failing to take a wicket while conceding 68 runs in his 10 overs. Pakistan will be hoping for a strong comeback from their star pacer. His opening spell against Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill could be decisive in setting the tone for the match. Early wickets from Afridi would put pressure on India's middle order and strengthen Pakistan’s chances.
With both teams relying on their key players to step up, this high-stakes encounter promises to be a thrilling battle between two cricketing giants.
Format | Mat | Balls | Wkts | Ave | 4w | 5w | 10w |
ODIs | 63 | 3240 | 125 | 24.16 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
8. Ravindra Jadeja
India’s all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja brings immense value to the team with his batting, bowling, and fielding. While he didn’t get much opportunity in the previous match, his ability to contribute in crunch moments makes him a player to watch. Jadeja’s left-arm spin could be crucial in restricting Pakistan’s batters in the middle overs, and his sharp fielding can turn the game with a run-out or a stunning catch. If needed, he can also play a match-winning cameo with the bat.
Format | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
ODIs | 200 | 134 | 2779 | 87 | 32.69 | 0 | 13 | 203 | 54 |
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