India vs Pakistan: Can Pakistan pull off Dubai miracle?

The cricketing world is set for another India-Pakistan showdown in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, igniting a rivalry that remains as intense as ever. While the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is ready for a packed house, the cricketing equation appears lopsided. India boasts superior form, depth, and firepower, while Pakistan struggles with injuries and inconsistencies. Will Pakistan defy the odds, or will India extend its dominance?

The shifting rivalry

The India-Pakistan rivalry has evolved significantly since the 1990s. Once evenly matched, Pakistan’s decline and India's relentless talent pipeline have widened the gap. Players like Rishabh Pant struggle to find a spot in India's XI, while Pakistan scrambles to assemble a competitive batting order. With Fakhar Zaman injured and their pace attack underperforming, Pakistan faces an uphill battle.

India's confidence vs Pakistan’s desperation

India enters this clash riding high after a commanding win against Bangladesh. In contrast, Pakistan's campaign is in turmoil following a 60-run defeat to New Zealand. Their net run rate has taken a hit, and another loss could mean an early exit from the tournament. Former India pacer Atul Wassan even suggested that a Pakistan win would add "spice" to the tournament, comparing India's dominance to a predictable Bollywood film where Amitabh Bachchan defeats villains without breaking a sweat.

The Mother Of All Rivalry
Today India 🇮🇳Taking On Pakistan🇵🇰 At Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Both Team Faces Each Other 5 Times
Where India Won 2 & Pakistan 3
Last Time They Defeated Us In CT Final By 180 Runs
All The Best @BCCI 🇮🇳💙
We All ICT Fans Behind You 🌟 pic.twitter.com/jLzFGtOzhi

— Loyal Harshit 🇮🇳 (@Loyal_RO_Fan) February 23, 2025

A glimmer of hope for Pakistan?

Pakistan’s best performances in ICC tournaments have come when their bowlers have dictated terms. However, their pace trio Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Unlike the 2021 T20 World Cup, Dubai's pitches are now slower, which could neutralize their pace threat. Spin will be crucial, but Pakistan lacks depth in that department. Abrar Ahmed, their lone specialist spinner, faces a stiff challenge against India’s strong batting lineup.

🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
Sunday holiday and India VS Pakistan match.

India will take on arch-rival Pakistan in the much-awaited match of ICC Champions Trophy at Dubai International Stadium today.

Today will be an auspicious day.

We are with India and who are you with...?#INDvsPAK… pic.twitter.com/z3hgnUTPIQ

— सतीश राजपूत #कैरू (मोदी का परिवार) (@StanwarSatish) February 23, 2025

Match-ups to watch

• Rohit Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi: Rohit has dominated Shaheen recently, but the left-arm pacer remains a threat with the new ball.
• Virat Kohli vs Abrar Ahmed: Kohli has had issues against spin lately, making this an intriguing battle.
• Mohammed Shami vs Babar Azam: With Babar struggling as an opener, Shami could strike early.
• Salman Ali Agha vs Indian spinners: Salman’s aggressive approach against spin will be tested against Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja.

Predicted Playing XIs

India:
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami.

Pakistan:
Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Prediction: India in the driver's seat

On paper, India holds all the aces. Pakistan’s best hope lies in exploiting Dubai’s slow surface and restricting India’s batters. If they can set a target around 260-280, they might have a fighting chance. But in a high-scoring game, Pakistan’s batting limitations could be exposed.

Realistically, India should cruise to victory but in cricket, miracles do happen. Will Pakistan pull off one in Dubai?