Champions Trophy: India vs Pakistan: Analysis of Key Battles

Pressure is on for tomorrow's India Pakistan Match

February 22, 2025: 🔵 Match Preview:
The biggest rivalry in cricket resumes as India takes on Pakistan in a high-stakes Champions Trophy 2025 clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. While India enters with momentum after a comfortable win against Bangladesh, Pakistan faces intense scrutiny following a 60-run defeat to New Zealand. With Babar Azam under fire for his slow batting and Virat Kohli struggling against spin, the game promises to be a battle of nerves.

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SWOT Analysis: India vs Pakistan

🔹 India’s Strengths:

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✅ Top-order Firepower: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul are in form, giving India a strong start.
✅ Spin Dominance in Dubai: The trio of Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel can control the middle overs effectively.
✅ Mohammed Shami’s Form: The veteran pacer took a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh and is a key asset in ICC tournaments.

🔸 India’s Weaknesses:

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❌ Kohli’s Struggles vs Spin: His vulnerability against left-arm spinners is a concern, especially against Shaheen Afridi and Nawaz.
❌ Lack of Middle-Overs Wickets: India failed to pick wickets consistently in the middle overs against Bangladesh.
❌ Unproven Death Bowling: Harshit Rana is promising, but can he handle pressure against a team like Pakistan?

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🟢 Pakistan’s Strengths:

✅ Pace Attack: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah can pose problems for India’s batting order.
✅ Unpredictability Factor: Pakistan has a history of bouncing back after poor performances.
✅ Salman Ali Agha’s Form: The vice-captain played a crucial knock against New Zealand and could be key in the middle order.

🔴 Pakistan’s Weaknesses:

❌ Lack of Intent in Top Order: Babar Azam’s slow batting and Fakhar Zaman’s absence put pressure on Imam-ul-Haq.
❌ Shaheen’s Dip in Form: He was below par against New Zealand, failing to deliver early breakthroughs.
❌ Pressure to Stay Alive: A loss here could severely hurt Pakistan’s semi-final hopes, increasing pressure on the team.

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🔥 Key Battles to Watch Out For:

🏏 Virat Kohli vs Shaheen Afridi

• Kohli has struggled against left-arm pacers, and Shaheen dismissed him for a golden duck in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
• Will Kohli overcome his spin woes and step up on the big stage?

🏏 Babar Azam vs Indian Spinners

• Babar is under scrutiny for his slow 64 off 90 balls against New Zealand.
• Can he rotate strike better against Jadeja, Kuldeep, and Axar?

🏏 Rohit Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi

• Shaheen trapped Rohit LBW in the powerplay during previous encounters.
• Can India’s captain counter Shaheen’s inswingers early on?

🏏 Mohammed Shami vs Pakistan Middle Order

• Shami was expensive in the 2021 T20 World Cup but is now in form with a five-wicket haul.
• His ability to strike in middle and death overs will be crucial.

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🌟 Players to Watch:

🇮🇳 India:

🔹 Shubman Gill – Fresh off an unbeaten century, he could be the game-changer at the top.
🔹 Mohammed Shami – India’s ICC tournament specialist will look to dominate in Dubai.
🔹 Virat Kohli – Needs a big knock to silence critics and prove his worth against Pakistan.

🇵🇰 Pakistan:

🔹 Shaheen Afridi – If he finds his rhythm early, India could be in trouble.
🔹 Salman Ali Agha – The middle-order batter is in form and could take the game deep.
🔹 Babar Azam – Under pressure, but will this be his moment to shine?

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📝 Final Verdict:

📊 India has the upper hand based on recent form and squad balance, but Pakistan’s unpredictability makes them dangerous. A win for Pakistan would keep the tournament open, while an Indian victory could send them to the semis.

🏏 Who will handle the pressure better? Will Kohli or Babar steal the show? All eyes on Dubai this Sunday! 🔥