 "India are unbeaten against Pakistan in ODIs since 2018. Image: Reuters")
Indian cricket team are seen as heavy favourites against Pakistan in their Champions Trophy 2025 match which will be played on Sunday (23 February) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, former India pacer Atul Wassan is rooting for a Pakistan win.
Wassan believes a Pakistan win is necessary to “make the tournament exciting”. “I want Pakistan to win the match as it will make the tournament exciting. If Pakistan is eliminated, then what will be left in the contest?” Wassan told ANI.
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“It’s like Amitabh Bachchan, if he keeps punching the enemies nonstop, there’s no fun in watching it. I hope Pakistan makes a comeback; it will be good for the tournament," Wassan added.
Having already lost their opening match to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will be on the verge of elimination if they lose to India on Sunday. Team India meanwhile will be almost guaranteed a semi-final spot if they beat Mohammad Rizwan’s Pakistan.
Team India enjoys recent good form over Pakistan
Rohit Sharma-led India started their campaign on Thursday with a six-wicket win over Bangladesh and have the advantage of playing all their matches in Dubai under a hybrid model. Pakistan, meanwhile, have been forced to travel to Dubai from Karachi despite being the main hosts of the tournament.
It also has to be noted that India are unbeaten in ODIs against Pakistan since 2018. During this period India and Pakistan were part of six ODIs but the Men in Green are still to taste victory since 2018. However, they did defeat India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, which should serve as an inspiration for Rizwan’s side.
Pakistan, however, will enter the match without Fakhar Zaman who is ruled out of the tournament due to an abdominal muscle injury. Imam-ul-Haq has been named as his replacement but it will be interesting to see if he is picked in the playing XI.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAll-rounder Kamran Ghulam could come in as a replacement for Zaman in the Pakistan playing XI.