Champions Trophy: India vs Pakistan: Analysis of Key Battles
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.
âś… Top-order Firepower: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul are in form, giving India a strong start.
âś… 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.
❌ 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?
✅ Pace Attack: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah can pose problems for India’s batting order.
âś… 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.
❌ 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.
🔹 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.
🔹 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?
📊 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! 🔥
This post was published on February 22, 2025 8:28 pm
