Dubai – The biggest match of the ICC Champions Trophy so far will take place today in Dubai between Pakistan and India. Cricket fever is at its peak among fans ahead of this high-stakes encounter, and they are eager to witness a thrilling match. Pakistan must defeat India at any cost to stay in the mega event. This is the third match in Group A. Earlier, Pakistan suffered a loss against New Zealand, while India defeated Bangladesh by six wickets.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are ready to post a big score, while India has players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. On the bowling side, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are prepared to take wickets, while Mohammed Shami is also geared up to make an impact. Both teams conducted their final practice sessions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium ahead of the big clash.
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Champions Trophy: Pakistan vs India Match – Babar Azam Skips Practice Session
Before the highly anticipated Pakistan-India match in the Champions Trophy, the Pakistan squad held a training session at the Dubai International Stadium. However, Babar Azam did not participate due to a cold. According to an official post by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Facebook, players engaged in warm-up sessions and exercise drills. Coaches focused on fielding and catching practice. The bowlers only took part in exercise drills and did not practice bowling, while the batters participated only in warm-up activities.
Star batter Babar Azam missed the training session due to a cold, which caused watery eyes. After taking medication, his condition improved. Instead of joining the team, he continued his physical training at the hotel.
With Pakistan already having lost its first match in Group A, they have no margin for error. Meanwhile, India comes into this match with confidence after defeating Bangladesh. In previous Champions Trophy editions, Pakistan and India have faced off five times, with Pakistan winning three times and India emerging victorious twice.
Pakistan Holds Upper Hand in Champions Trophy Head-to-Head
When analyzing past encounters in the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan has the upper hand over India. The two teams have met five times in the tournament’s history, with Pakistan winning three times and India securing victory twice.
“Pakistan Will Win Against India” – Mohsin Naqvi
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Senator Mohsin Naqvi has expressed confidence in the national team, stating that Pakistan will emerge victorious against India. Speaking to the media in Dubai, Naqvi said, “It will be a great contest, and the Pakistani team is fully prepared.”
He added, “Things go up and down, but the team has our full support regardless of the outcome. A win for Pakistan will be a huge reward for the nation.”
Regarding the incident where the Indian national anthem was mistakenly played during the England vs. Australia match in Lahore, Naqvi clarified that the ICC is investigating the matter since they are the tournament’s organizers.
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“The Name ‘Pakistan vs India’ is Enough” – Aaqib Javed
Pakistan’s head coach Aaqib Javed has emphasized that even if all spectators are removed from the stadium, the pressure of a Pakistan-India match will still remain. During a press conference in Dubai, Javed remarked, “The name ‘Pakistan vs. India’ is enough to generate excitement.”
He added, “Managing pressure is a key responsibility of players. If you take away the pressure, what’s left? The thrill lies in the intensity of this rivalry. A Pakistan-India match is high-voltage, exciting, and the essence of cricket.”
Aaqib Javed also noted that Pakistan’s players are familiar with Dubai’s conditions and need to play according to their strengths. He said the team will try to do something special against India.
“Our fast bowlers are match-winners. We have high hopes for Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. This is a golden opportunity for our players to make a name for themselves on the global stage,” he added.
Aaqib Javed Confident in Pakistan’s Fast Bowlers for India Clash
Aaqib Javed highlighted the challenges of 50-over cricket, stating that fitness levels need to be top-notch, especially after the first 20 overs. “Our focus has been on T20 cricket for most of the year, but in ODIs, players need to stay on the field for 30 additional overs. Fitness will be a key factor.”
He mentioned that Pakistan has a well-balanced squad and that the playing XI will be announced just before the toss. “There won’t be many changes in our team,” he added. Javed reiterated that Pakistan’s fast bowlers are match-winners and will play a crucial role in this important encounter against India.
“Pakistan is Not a Weak Team” – Shubman Gill
India’s young opener and vice-captain Shubman Gill acknowledged that Pakistan is a strong team, despite their loss in the first match. Speaking about the significance of Indo-Pak matches, Gill said, “These encounters are major events for fans, but as players, our job is to perform on the field. The media hypes the match, but we don’t have control over that.”
He added, “Of course, I would love to score a century against Pakistan, though my goal is always to score big in every match.”
