Sun Feb 23 09:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Faces Must-Win Clash Against India in Champions Trophy
**Dubai, UAE –** Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in a crucial Group A match of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, February 23rd at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The match is a virtual knockout for Pakistan, as a loss coupled with a New Zealand victory over Bangladesh on Monday would eliminate the defending champions from the tournament.
Adding to Pakistan’s woes, opening batsman Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tournament with an oblique tear sustained during the team’s first match against New Zealand. Zaman, who scored a century against India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, will be replaced by Imam-ul-Haq. Imam, whose last ODI appearance was in October 2023, will open the innings alongside Babar Azam.
Pakistan’s batting lineup will see further changes, with Kamran Ghulam potentially replacing Tayyab Tahir to bolster the middle order. The team will also rely on a strong performance from Khushdil Shah, who top-scored in the previous match. However, the team’s pace attack, comprised of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, will need to significantly improve after a disappointing performance against New Zealand.
Pakistan’s predicted XI for the India match includes Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed. The pressure is on for Pakistan to deliver a strong performance and avoid early elimination from the tournament.
First Piper 