Pakistan banking on pace attack to deliver against India in high-stakes clash
Cricket
Both the teams are set to clash today at Dubai International Cricket Stadium
DUBAI (Dunya News) – The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the most intense in sports history. Both the teams are set to clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
A rivalry like no other
Dating back to 1952, the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry continues to captivate fans worldwide. Their last 50-over encounter saw India cruise to a seven-wicket victory at the 2023 World Cup, but Pakistan has historically thrived in high-pressure moments.
With tickets selling out in minutes and Dubai set for a charged atmosphere with passionate fans from both sides, the stage is set for another gripping chapter in this historic contest. Despite India’s recent dominance, Pakistan’s unpredictability—especially on UAE soil—means anything can happen in this blockbuster encounter.
Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed has placed his faith in his pace attack, calling them "match-winners" ahead of their must-win ICC Champions Trophy showdown against archrivals India on Sunday. With their semifinal hopes hanging in the balance, the defending champions must secure victory in Dubai to stay in contention.
Pakistan, currently at the bottom of Group A after a disappointing loss to New Zealand, face an Indian side that began their campaign with a commanding win over Bangladesh.
Aaqib confident in his pacers
Despite an underwhelming performance in their opener—where Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf conceded 214 runs in 30 overs—Aaqib remains optimistic. "We have three specialists, and I would say one of the best pace bowling options in today’s game," he told reporters. The former pacer likened this trio to the formidable Wasim Akram-Waqar Younis attack of the 1990s, confident they will rise to the occasion.
Pakistan will be without the services of the architect of 2017 Champions Trophy Final, Fakhar Zaman who injured himself in the first match of the tournament against New Zealand. Imamul Haq, who has scored 3138 runs in 71 ODI innings for Pakistan crafting 9 centuries and 20 half-centuries, has replaced Zaman in Pakistan camp.
India focused on business as usual
India vice-captain Shubman Gill, fresh off an unbeaten century against Bangladesh, downplayed the hype surrounding the match, emphasising their focus on maintaining their winning momentum. While acknowledging Pakistan’s inconsistent form, he warned against underestimating their potential.
Pakistan squad
Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice captain), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
India squad
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy.
