Overview
The highly anticipated Group A showdown between Pakistan and India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place today, February 23, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Due to ongoing political tensions, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has mandated that matches between these two rivals be held at neutral venues, leading to this high-stakes encounter in Dubai.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
- Time: Toss at 2:00 PM IST; match begins at 2:30 PM IST
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Broadcast Information
Fans in India can watch the match live on Doordarshan Sports (DD Sports) and stream it online for free via the JioHotstar mobile app or website.
Team Form and Key Players
India
India enters the match with strong momentum, having secured a victory against Bangladesh in their opening Group A match. Shubman Gill, currently the ICC’s top-ranked Men’s ODI batter, displayed his exceptional form with a century in that game. Captain Rohit Sharma and veteran Virat Kohli are crucial to India’s batting strength. On the bowling front, Mohammed Shami’s return brings experience, marking his first ODI against Pakistan in a decade.
Pakistan
Pakistan is looking to rebound after a loss to New Zealand in their tournament opener. Captain Mohammad Rizwan and star batsman Babar Azam are pivotal to their batting lineup. The pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf will play a crucial role in challenging India’s batting order.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Dubai pitch should initially assist seamers, offering some movement early on. As the match progresses, the surface may slow down, making spinners more effective during the middle overs. The weather forecast predicts a hot afternoon with temperatures around 33°C, cooling to about 26°C in the evening.They do not expect dew to be a significant factor, which could make batting under lights more challenging.
Historical Context
In ICC Champions Trophy history, Pakistan holds a slight advantage over India with a 3-2 head-to-head record. Their most notable victory came in the 2017 final, where Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs. However, recent encounters in other ICC tournaments have favored India, including wins in both the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Conclusion
This match is critical for both teams’ progression in the tournament and adds another exciting chapter to the storied rivalry between these cricketing giants. Fans worldwide eagerly await what promises to be a thrilling contest.
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