Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan Prepares for High-Stakes Clash Against India After New Zealand Defeat

KKN Gurugram Desk | Pakistan’s campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025 is off to a tough start following their 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the opening match in Karachi. Now, they face a do-or-die scenario ahead of their crucial encounter against India on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. A loss could significantly impact their chances of progressing to the next stage.

To gear up for this must-win clash, Pakistan held an intense practice session on Friday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where senior batter and former captain Babar Azam took an extended batting session. The team practiced for nearly three hours, focusing on batting, bowling, and match strategies.

Babar Azam Gears Up for India Clash With an Intense Net Session

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who scored 64 runs off 90 balls in the New Zealand match, faced all available bowlers for at least two overs each during the practice session. Pakistan’s batting lineup needs to step up, as they struggled to chase down New Zealand’s target in the previous game.

In the extended batting practice session, all batters except Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan trained for an additional 20 minutes, working on technique and shot selection to counter India’s pace and spin attack.

Shaheen Afridi & Haris Rauf Lead Pakistan’s Bowling Practice

Pakistan’s key fast bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, are expected to play a crucial role against India. They both bowled over seven overs each during the practice session, focusing on swing, accuracy, and death-over strategies.

Afridi, known for his ability to strike early with the new ball, will be crucial in dismissing India’s top order. Meanwhile, Rauf, Pakistan’s express pacer, is working on improving his death bowling skills, which will be vital in the high-pressure encounter.

Pakistan’s Leadership Discusses Strategy for India Clash

Interim head coach Aaqib Javed and captain Mohammad Rizwan were seen having an extended tactical discussion with the players. Javed was the primary voice in the meeting, outlining Pakistan’s game plan, key areas of improvement, and approach against India’s strong batting lineup.

Pakistan’s batting collapse against New Zealand exposed their middle-order fragility, which the team management is keen to address before the high-profile match.

Shahid Afridi Backs India as Favorites Over Pakistan

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has weighed in on the upcoming India vs. Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 clash, stating that India holds the upper hand due to its match-winning players.

“If we talk about match-winners, I’d say India has more match-winners than Pakistan. A match-winner is someone who can single-handedly turn the game. Right now, Pakistan lacks such players,” said Afridi.

He also emphasized India’s strength in the middle and lower order, which has helped them win crucial matches in recent years.

“For a long time, we have been giving opportunities to players, but no one has stepped up consistently. Some have performed in a few matches, but we don’t have players who have sustained their form over a year, two years, or across 50-60 games,” he added.

Afridi acknowledged that while India has a stronger squad, Pakistan can still win if the team puts in a collective effort, ensuring contributions from batsmen, bowlers, and spinners.

Pakistan’s Past Record Against India in the Champions Trophy

Pakistan and India share an intense rivalry in ICC tournaments, and the Champions Trophy history has seen some memorable battles. Pakistan has won three out of five encounters against India in previous editions.

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Wins Over India:

• 2004 (United Kingdom) – Pakistan defeated India in a thrilling contest.
• 2009 (South Africa) – Pakistan clinched another victory in the group stage.
• 2017 Final (The Oval, London) – Pakistan lifted the Champions Trophy, defeating India convincingly.

However, since 2017, India has dominated Pakistan in ICC events, winning crucial encounters in the T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup.

Key Players to Watch in the India vs. Pakistan Match

Pakistan’s Key Players:

1. Babar Azam – The backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup. His ability to anchor the innings will be crucial.
2. Mohammad Rizwan – As the captain, he needs to lead from the front and deliver a strong performance.
3. Shaheen Shah Afridi – Pakistan’s best bowler against India, known for dismissing Rohit Sharma early in past matches.
4. Haris Rauf – Will play a key role in restricting India’s lower order during the death overs.

India’s Key Players:

1. Virat Kohli – A veteran of India vs. Pakistan clashes, capable of taking the game away from the opposition.
2. Rohit Sharma – His experience and ability to perform in big matches make him a key asset.
3. Jasprit Bumrah – India’s pace spearhead, who can trouble Pakistan’s top order with his accuracy.
4. Ravindra Jadeja – Provides balance to India’s team with his all-round skills.

Match Preview: What to Expect in the India vs. Pakistan Clash?

• India enters the match as the favorite due to their strong squad and recent dominance in ICC events.
• Pakistan needs to win to stay alive in the tournament, making this a high-pressure encounter.
• Pace battle: The duel between Shaheen Afridi and Jasprit Bumrah will be crucial.
• Batting dominance: India’s middle-order depth could be a deciding factor.
• Toss advantage: The team winning the toss may prefer to chase, considering Dubai’s pitch conditions.

With millions of fans waiting for this epic showdown, the India vs. Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 match promises to be another unforgettable chapter in cricket history.

Pakistan’s preparation, team combination, and execution will be crucial in this must-win game. While India looks stronger on paper, Pakistan has the potential to cause an upset if they perform collectively.

Cricket fans around the world will be glued to their screens as India and Pakistan battle it out in Dubai on Sunday in what promises to be one of the most thrilling matches of Champions Trophy 2025.