Pakistan's herculean challenge against dashing Indians  

Betting Odds

Our Predictions 

• Babar Azam has odds of 2.85 to be Pakistan's best batsman 
• Shubman Gill has odds of 3.25 to be India's best batsman 
• Shaheen Afridi has odds of 3.45 to be Pakistan's best bowler 
• Mohammad Shami has odds of 3.00 to be India's best bowler 

MATCH PREVIEW     

We are all set for the most-awaited group-stage clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Hosts Pakistan faces a tough challenge as they take on arch-rivals India in the 5th game of the tournament. The Pakistanis come into this game with an embarrassing loss against New Zealand, and the team must win to keep hopes alive for the semifinal. They have a poor record against the Indians and must punch above their weight to win this game. The Indians have started their campaign on a positive note with a win against Bangladesh. They have a strong, confident outfit and shall start the game with higher odds. It will be interesting to see if the Pakistanis can match up to the challenge and win this game.  

Pakistan Preview     

It is a must-win game for Mohammad Rizwan's team. The hosts had a poor start to the tournament, suffering a 60-run loss against New Zealand. Their bowling attack failed to capitalize on the opportunities, and the batsmen didn't seem to have a game plan. They have won just once against the Indians in the last seven games and shall start behind on cricket betting apps. Rizwan expects a strong comeback from his players to keep hopes alive for the next round.  

Babar Azam faces much criticism for his slow innings in the last game. The team needs him to deliver an electrifying start with Imam-ul-Haq, who will replace the injured Fakhar Zaman. Rizwan must lead from the front in the middle order and add runs with Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha, as the Indians have a quality spin attack. The team also needs a good show in the lower middle order from Tayyab Tahir and Khushdil Shah to reach a big total.  

The bowling attack’s performance in the last game can be divided into two parts. They were brilliant at the start but looked schoolboyish towards the end. Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi need to strike early in the game to gain an edge. Abrar Ahmed must the conditions well and keep the scoring rate under check in the middle overs with Haris Rauf. The side will also like a good show from Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha in the supporting role.  

Expected Starting XI for Pakistan     

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

India Preview     

Rohit Sharma and his men have made a confident start to the tournament. They defeated Bangladesh in the last game by 6 wickets, dominating the game right from the start. The side has its bowlers in good form and a strong batting lineup, making them favourites on cricket betting sites. The Pakistanis can mount a strong challenge on their day, and Sharma would like to see a clinical show from his players.  

Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten hundred in the last game and will look to take on the Pakistani attack with Rohit Sharma at the start. Virat Kohli isn't at his best, and he must add runs in the middle order with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. The team has depth in the batting lineup and shall expect a good show from Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja as they are good hitters.  

Mohammad Shami picked up five wickets in the last game, and his form has been a big boost for the team as there were some question marks about the bowling in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. He will look to strike early in the game with Harshit Rana. The spin trio of Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Varun Chakaravarthy did well in the last game, and they will enjoy bowling in these conditions. Hardik Pandya adds balance to this attack, making it strong.  

Expected Starting XI for India     

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy  

TOSS: To Bowl First      

The side chasing the score has won this venue's last five out of six games, including the last one. It is a flat surface but has something for the fast bowlers in the early overs. The two teams will look to play safe in this game and opt to bowl first on winning the toss.      
 

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

We expect clear skies over Dubai and a warm afternoon. We expect a flat surface, but it will occasionally be slow and surprise the batsmen and put them into a fix. Batsmen can play their strokes freely on this track, and bowlers have little room for error. The team batting first will be happy to have 300 runs on the board.  

OUR PREDICTION      

The Pakistanis will play to save their place in the tournament. The team struggled with the bat and the ball in the last game. The bowling attack must do well in the death overs, and the batsmen must show more intent for the team to win. The Indians have a strong batting lineup, and a bowling attack suited for these conditions. We expect a close game, but the Indians will start as favorites.  

Our prediction is for India to win