IND vs PAK : The stage is set for Match 5 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where the atmosphere will be nothing short of electric. Both teams enter this Group A clash with contrasting results—Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat to New Zealand, while India dominated Bangladesh. With only a few games in this compact tournament, Pakistan finds itself under pressure, making this clash a must-win encounter.

Match Details

• Match: India vs Pakistan, Match 5
• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
• Date & Time: Sunday, 23rd February, 14:30 IST
• Series: ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Team Form & Key Battles

Pakistan’s Struggles

Once a feared force in world cricket, Pakistan’s pace attack has struggled in recent times. The trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah possess express pace but have lacked sharpness. Spin remains another concern, with Abrar Ahmed being the lone specialist spinner, backed by part-timers Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha. Adding to their woes, opener Fakhar Zaman is ruled out due to injury, with Imam-ul-Haq set to replace him.

Batting remains a major talking point. Babar Azam’s form has been inconsistent, and the middle order, including Mohammad Rizwan, has struggled to build momentum. Can Pakistan overcome these concerns and pull off an upset?

India’s Momentum

India, on the other hand, enters the contest full of confidence after a dominant performance against Bangladesh. Mohammad Shami’s five-wicket haul has bolstered the bowling attack, while Harshit Rana has shown promise. Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy provide strong backup options, giving India a well-rounded bowling attack.

In batting, Rohit Sharma has regained his touch, while Virat Kohli boasts a stunning ODI average of over 50 against Pakistan. Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer strengthen the lineup, with the Hardik-Jadeja duo adding depth. However, India’s struggles in the middle-over phase with the ball will be something to watch.

IND vs PAK : Champions Trophy Head-to-Head

India and Pakistan have faced off five times in the ICC Champions Trophy, with Pakistan holding a 3-2 edge in the rivalry.

Overall India vs Pakistan ODI Head-to-Head

Last 5 ODI Meetings

Dubai International Cricket Stadium – ODI Pitch Report

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with a seating capacity of 25,000, has hosted 58 ODIs since its inauguration in 2009. The pitch offers a balance between bat and ball, with initial assistance for seamers and later some turn for spinners. The presence of dew in night matches often makes chasing a preferred option.

Pitch Characteristics:

• Early Overs: Fast bowlers find movement, making batting tricky in the powerplay.
• Middle Overs: The surface settles down, allowing batters to play freely. Spinners get assistance as the game progresses.
• Dew Factor: Evening matches see increased dew, reducing grip for spinners and making chasing easier.

ODI Statistics at Dubai International Cricket Stadium (Last 10 Matches):

• Average First Innings Score: 218
• Average Second Innings Score: 177
• Highest Score Set: 314/3 (Pakistan U-19 vs UAE U-19, December 2, 2024)
• Highest Successful Run Chase: 200/5 (Canada vs Scotland, March 7, 2024)
• Highest Score Defended: 314/3 (Pakistan U-19 vs UAE U-19, December 2, 2024)

1st vs. 2nd Innings Comparison (Last 10 ODIs):

Notable Records at Dubai International Cricket Stadium:

• Highest Team Total: 355/5 (England vs Pakistan, November 20, 2015)
• Lowest Team Total: 91 all out (Namibia vs UAE, February 23, 2023)
• Highest Individual Score: Mushfiqur Rahim – 144 (Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, September 15, 2018)
• Best Bowling Figures: Shahid Afridi – 6/38 (Pakistan vs Australia, April 22, 2009)

Tactical Considerations:

• Toss Factor: Teams winning the toss generally prefer to chase due to the dew factor.
• Competitive Total: A first-innings score of 250+ is considered par, while 280+ is highly competitive.
• Bowling Impact: Fast bowlers dominate early, while spinners become crucial in the middle overs.

IND vs PAK Lineups

India:

Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav.

Pakistan:

Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Probable Best Players – India vs Pakistan

India:

• Best Batter: Shubman Gill

  Shubman Gill has been India’s most consistent batsman in ODIs over the past two years, amassing 2,688 runs at an impressive average of 62.51, including eight centuries. His recent unbeaten 101 on a sluggish pitch underscores his adaptability and form, making him a crucial asset against Pakistan.

• Best Bowler: Mohammed Shami

  With Jasprit Bumrah absent, Mohammed Shami has stepped up as India’s pace spearhead. His recent five-wicket haul against Bangladesh highlights his ability to deliver breakthroughs, especially with the new ball, setting the tone for India’s bowling attack.

Pakistan:

• Best Batter: Babar Azam

  Despite facing criticism, Babar Azam remains Pakistan’s premier batsman. His elegant stroke play and ability to anchor the innings are vital for Pakistan’s batting stability. A strong performance from him is essential to counter India’s formidable bowling lineup.

• Best Bowler: Shaheen Afridi

  Shaheen Afridi’s left-arm pace and ability to swing the ball make him a potent threat, especially against India’s top order. His knack for early wickets can disrupt India’s batting momentum, and his battle with Rohit Sharma will be a focal point in the match.

These players’ performances will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this much-anticipated encounter, as both teams vie for supremacy in the tournament.

IND vs PAK Prediction – ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Match 5

Scenario 1: India Batting First

• Projected Score: 280-310 runs
• Reasoning: The Dubai pitch offers early movement for pacers, making the powerplay crucial for India’s top order. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will aim to provide a solid start, while Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer can stabilize the middle overs. With Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja adding firepower at the death, India will look to post a formidable total. However, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah will pose a serious threat with the new ball, while Abrar Ahmed’s spin could be a challenge in the middle overs.

Scenario 2: Pakistan Batting First

• Projected Score: 240-270 runs
• Reasoning: Pakistan’s batting hinges on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan anchoring the innings. With Imam-ul-Haq replacing Fakhar Zaman, the opening partnership will be crucial against India’s Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana. The middle order, including Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah, must counter India’s spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja, which could restrict scoring. If Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf get early wickets, Pakistan will aim to defend a competitive total.

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