Dubai, February 22: The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy will take place on Sunday, with India aiming to secure a semi-final berth and Pakistan fighting to stay afloat in the tournament. Rohit Sharma's Team India is riding high after a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh, while Mohammad Rizwan's Pakistan is under pressure following a 60-run loss to New Zealand.
The two arch-rivals last met in the Champions Trophy during the 2017 final, where Pakistan triumphed. Rizwan's side will draw inspiration from that historic win, but they need to perform well in all three departments to overcome a formidable Indian team.
Unlike previous encounters, this match hasn't generated the same frenzied hype, potentially allowing both teams to approach the game more calmly. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host this crucial Group A match, with India seemingly having the upper hand.
India's Form and Key Players: The Indian team has adapted well to the conditions in Dubai, showing confidence and balance in their gameplay. Rohit Sharma, whose form was a concern, displayed signs of regaining his rhythm with a quick 41-run knock against Bangladesh, providing India with a solid start.
Shubman Gill, who scored a century in the previous match, continues to be a bright spot for India, adding stability to the top order. However, Virat Kohli's inability to convert good starts into big scores remains a worrying sign. The star batsman will need to bring his A-game against Pakistan to boost India's chances.
Bowling Advantage: On the bowling front, Mohammed Shami's return to form is a big positive. His five-wicket haul against Bangladesh showcased his ability to lead the attack, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who is out of the tournament due to injury. Harshit Rana provided good support, and India's spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel is expected to exploit the spin-friendly pitch in Dubai.
Pakistan's Concerns: For Pakistan, Babar Azam's form and approach are under scrutiny. His 90-ball 64 against New Zealand, while chasing 320, drew criticism for being too slow. Additionally, the injury to opener Fakhar Zaman has complicated matters, with Imam-ul-Haq called in as a replacement.
Khushdil Shah, who scored 69 runs in the opening match, offers a glimmer of hope, but Pakistan's bowlers need to bounce back after an underwhelming performance against New Zealand.
Match Expectations: The pitch is likely to assist spinners, making it a key battleground for both teams. India is expected to retain the winning combination, focusing on spin strength and all-round stability.
The match will start at 2:30 PM IST, with millions of fans tuning in to watch the thrilling contest. A victory for India would secure their semi-final spot, while Pakistan needs a win to stay in contention, setting the stage for a high-octane encounter.
