The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between India and Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, a high-voltage match in the Champions Trophy 2025. Fans from both countries have been eagerly waiting for this clash, which comes about 8 months after the two teams last met in the T20 World Cup 2024.
India got off to a strong start in the tournament, defeating Bangladesh in their first match, thanks in part to a century from opener Shubman Gill and a notable innings from Rohit Sharma. These two players could potentially provide a solid foundation for the team against Pakistan as well. Virat Kohli is expected to bat at number three, followed by Shreyas Iyer at number four, and wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul in the middle order.
Shubman Gill has been particularly impressive in the ODI format for India, scoring 2688 runs in 51 matches, including 8 centuries and 15 half-centuries, and even a double century. His performance could overwhelm Pakistan.
On the other hand, the Pakistan team, captained by Mohammad Rizwan, is likely to field a strong contingent of fast bowlers in Dubai, with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah potentially being game-changers. Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq are expected to open for Pakistan, with Babar having played a crucial innings against New Zealand, although Pakistan ultimately lost that match.
Team Lineups for Champions Trophy 2025
- India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Akshar Patel, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakraborty, Arshdeep Singh
- Pakistan: Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper/captain), Salman Aga, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Nasim Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Khan
The toss has been won by Pakistan, who have decided to bat first. Team India will start with bowling. The excitement is palpable as these two cricketing giants face off, each looking to outmaneuver the other in what promises to be an electrifying match.