India and Pakistan set for an intense showdown in Dubai, with memories of the 2017 final still fresh. Can India avenge their heartbreaking loss?
Dubai [UAE], February 23: The much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. With emotions running high, India will aim to avenge their crushing defeat in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where Pakistan, led by Fakhar Zaman’s century, stunned India with a 180-run victory.
The intense cricket rivalry between these two nations dates back to 1952 and has only grown stronger over the decades. Every encounter between them is more than just a game—it’s a battle of pride, passion, and national sentiment. With both teams looking to dominate, this fixture promises high-octane cricket action.
India-Pakistan Rivalry: A Legacy of Thrilling Encounters
India and Pakistan last faced each other in an ODI during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where India emerged victorious with a convincing seven-wicket win. Their most recent T20 encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was a nail-biting thriller, with India securing a six-run victory.
With Pakistan facing a must-win situation after their disappointing loss to New Zealand in the tournament opener, the pressure on Babar Azam and his team is immense. A loss here would significantly dent their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Recent Form: A Contrast in Momentum
Pakistan:
Pakistan’s recent ODI performances have been inconsistent. While they dominated South Africa in a 3-0 ODI series sweep last year, they have struggled against New Zealand, losing three times in 2025, including the Champions Trophy opener.
India:
India has been in sensational white-ball form, winning eight out of their last nine games in 2025. They recently whitewashed England 3-0 in ODIs and comfortably defeated Bangladesh in their Champions Trophy opener. Despite missing Jasprit Bumrah, India has shown resilience and adaptability, making them strong contenders.
Players to Watch:
Pakistan – Babar Azam
Babar Azam, once the No.1-ranked ODI batter, will be crucial for Pakistan. Though he had a below-par 2024, his recent 64-run knock against New Zealand could signal a return to form. If Pakistan is to challenge India, Babar will need to step up with a match-winning innings.
India – Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill has been in red-hot form, recently overtaking Babar Azam as the world’s top-ranked ODI batter. With a century in India’s opening match, Gill will be a key player Pakistan must neutralize to stand a chance.
Squads:
Pakistan:
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
India:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy
With all eyes on Dubai, this India-Pakistan showdown is set to be a blockbuster. Will India exact revenge for 2017, or will Pakistan rise to the occasion again? The cricketing world eagerly awaits the answer.