India vs Pakistan Rivalry: ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Get ready, cricket fans! The long-awaited clash between India and Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is almost here.

India and Pakistan share one of the most intense rivalries in international cricket. Every time these two giants meet, the stakes are sky-high. Their history includes record-breaking performances and memorable moments.

From the Champions Trophy finals in 2017 to numerous high-pressure World Cup and bilateral series encounters, the clash has always been more than just a game—a battle for pride and supremacy.

In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India and Pakistan will face off in a match that will beat the cricket field. With both teams boasting a legacy of great players and memorable victories, the upcoming contest is set to fascinate fans worldwide.

India vs Pakistan Rivalry Match Overview

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks the tournament's return after an eight-year hiatus. It is hosted primarily by Pakistan, with India's matches in the UAE due to political reasons.

The February 23, 2025, match starts at 9:00 AM GST (10:30 AM IST). It is a day-night game that could see dew influence play later. This encounter is crucial as both teams aim to secure a top-two spot in Group A, including Bangladesh and New Zealand.

Head-to-Head Records

The historical rivalry in ODIs shows Pakistan leading with 73 wins out of 135 matches, India with 57, and 5 no-results.

This record, detailed at India vs Pakistan ODI Head-to-Head, adds context, especially with Pakistan's recent competitiveness.

Recent Performances of India and Pakistan

India kicked off with a 6-wicket win over Bangladesh, chasing 229 in 46.3 overs, as reported in the India vs Bangladesh Match Report.

Pakistan, however, lost to New Zealand by 60 runs, struggling to chase 321, as noted in the Pakistan vs New Zealand Match Report.

These results shape expectations for the upcoming clash.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium's pitch, analyzed in the Dubai Pitch Report, assists fast bowlers with seam movement early in the transition to batsman-friendly conditions.

Spinners can exploit middle overs if the pitch slows. Dew, significant in night matches, may favor the team batting second, influencing toss strategies.

Dubai Weather forecasts for February predict pleasant conditions with temperatures around 25°C and minimal rain, ensuring an uninterrupted match.

Team Squads and Key Players

Understanding the squads is essential for predicting match outcomes and fantasy picks.

India's Squad:

1. Batters: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wicket-keeper), Rishabh Pant (Wicket-keeper)
2. All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja
3. Bowlers: Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy

India's recent form against Bangladesh showcased Shubman Gill's unbeaten century (101 off 129) and Mohammed Shami's five-wicket haul, underlining their key roles. Rohit Sharma scored 41, and KL Rahul's 41* in the chase proved vital.

Pakistan's Squad:

1. Batters: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir.
2. All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha.
3. Bowlers: Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pakistan's opening loss to New Zealand by 60 runs saw Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah score half-centuries, indicating their batting resilience. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf are expected to lead the bowling attack.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for India vs Pakistan Rivalry 2025

Now, let's talk fantasy cricket and betting! If you enjoy creating your fantasy team or placing bets, here's a quick breakdown based on the match conditions.

1. Top-order Batsmen: Shubman Gill (recent century), Rohit Sharma (41 vs. Bangladesh), Babar Azam (half-century vs. New Zealand), and Mohammad Rizwan (consistent opener). These players are crucial given the pitch's initial challenge and potential for big scores later.
2. All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja (India), Faheem Ashraf, and Khushdil Shah (Pakistan) offer batting depth and bowling contributions, which are especially valuable on a balanced pitch.
3. Bowlers: Mohammed Shami (fifer vs Bangladesh), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf (Pakistan's pace attack), and Kuldeep Yadav (India's spin option) are likely to take wickets, particularly early on.
4. Differential Picks: Usman Khan and Washington Sundar could be game-changers. They are less picked but have the potential for high points.

Top Fantasy Picks:

1. Rohit Sharma (Captain Option): Rohit is a solid pick, given his leadership and form. His consistently scoring big runs makes him a cornerstone of any fantasy team.
2. Shubman Gill: With his recent stellar performances, Gill is expected to play a match-winning innings. He's a great choice for accumulating both runs and strike rate points.
3. Babar Azam: For Pakistan fans, Babar is indispensable. His technique and consistency offer high potential for scoring and bonus points.
4. Shaheen Afridi: Shaheen is a must-have as a wicket-taking option. Experts suggest he could be the game-changer with his knack for picking early wickets.
5. Mohammad Rizwan: Not only is he a reliable opener, but his dual role as a wicket-keeper adds extra points, making him an attractive option.
6. Hardik Pandya: Known for his explosive power-hitting and useful medium-pace bowling, Pandya's all-round capabilities make him a high-value pick.

Key Takeaways for India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025.

Here's a quick recap of the essential details and insights:

1. Historic Rivalry: India vs Pakistan is one of the fiercest rivalries in cricket, with a rich history of memorable matches.
2. Tournament Format: The Champions Trophy is a 50-over tournament featuring the world's best ODI teams. India plays all its matches in Dubai, while Pakistan hosts most of the games in their home country.
3. Team Form: India comes in with a strong run of form after a series sweep of England, whereas Pakistan faces pressure after a loss to New Zealand.
4. Player Highlights: India's strength lies in its top order, which includes Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli. Pakistan will rely on Babar Azam and the pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
5. Fantasy and Betting Insights: Experts recommend key fantasy picks like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Shaheen Afridi. Betting odds lean towards an Indian victory, with additional bets on top run-scorers and wicket-takers.

Don't miss the India vs Pakistan game on February 23, 2025—India's recent win and Pakistan's loss set the stage for an exciting battle, and fantasy cricket adds even more thrill.