IND vs PAK Champions Trophy: Top Battles to Watch-out in the Epic Rivalry

The IND-PAK Champions Trophy is among the most hotly contested rivalries in the cricketing arena. The high-intensity match will take place on Sunday, February 23, in Dubai, giving the world a scintillating spectacle to watch.

While the two teams boast stout line-ups and seem to have notable weaknesses, such factors make it one of the most awaited matches of the tournament. India has an experienced batting line-up led by Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, while Pakistan has Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan constituting their top order, supported by a fiery pace battery including Shoaib Akhtar and Naseem Shah.

While the countdown to this epic contest starts, let us take a look at the important individual battles that will set the tone for the IND vs PAK Champions Trophy 2025.

Also Read: IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction: Fantasy Cricket Tips for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Match 5

Shubman Gill vs Naseem Shah

Shubman Gill has been a run machine in recent ODIs, scoring centuries at will and patiently batting through India innings. However, the kid from Pakistan, with the skill to swing the ball at high speeds, poses a serious threat to India’s young opener.

Gill’s scintillating stroke play against the sharp pace of Naseem will be a battle to relish, one that could determine India’s fate in the powerplay.

Shaheen Afridi vs Rohit Sharma

For the Indian batters, especially against right-handers such as Rohit Sharma, the opening spells of Shaheen Afridi have turned into a nightmare. While batting, Rohit has been one to start well, but early in his innings, he has been subjected to a left-arm pacer-a soft spot he’s struggled against. Rohit has been dismissed by Afridi on four occasions in ODIs, making it an oral battle to watch.

Will Rohit break the jinx, or will Shaheen strike early to put Pakistan in front? The answer to this will somewhat dictate the tone of the game.

Virat Kohli vs Abrar Ahmed

Virat Kohli has been the mainstay of the Indian batting department and is up against a rising star of the Pakistan leg-spin, Abrar Ahmed. While Kohli has made a show of dominating fast bowlers over the years, he is notably a bit more wary against wrist spin, as evidenced by his dismissal five times in his last six ODI innings at the hands of leg-spinners.

If Abrar can and does exploit this apparent weakness, Pakistan would stand to have the advantage in the middle overs. The whole thing becomes interesting as Kohli’s experience and adaptability come to the fore in this duel.

Mohammad Rizwan vs Kuldeep Yadav

Three elements: Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s captain and a dependable batter in the middle overs, will play a decisive role here. But it won’t be easy against Kuldeep Yadav, no less on a pitch in Dubai that will assist the spinners.

The flight with disguise and turn from Kuldeep could give Rizwan some trouble. Hence, this will be an important contest. If Rizwan can tackle Kuldeep, it could give Pakistan a chance to engage the enemy middle overs with an upper hand.

Babar Azam vs Mohammed Shami

The mainstay of Pakistan’s batting, Babar Azam, will be under the pump as he comes under fire for a sluggish innings after being tamed by New Zealand in the World Cup. Nonetheless, he loves to be under pressure and will aim to show his worth against India’s spearhead Mohammed Shami.

With his recent phenomenal form, including a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh, this billing becomes a must-watch. Is Babar going to prove himself, or will Shami dismantle Pakistan’s batting core?

The India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 clash is expected to be an emotional roller-coaster experience for fans across the globe. With these top clashes set to unfold, cricket lovers can expect nothing but high-octane drama and fierce competition.

Who will win in this battle of titans? Only time will tell-but one thing is for sure: this IND vs PAK Champions Trophy clash will go down in history.