Sat Feb 22 20:26:20 UTC 2025: ## India Aims for Dubai Hat-trick Against Pakistan in Champions Trophy Clash

**Dubai, UAE:** India and Pakistan are set to clash in a high-stakes Champions Trophy match on Sunday, February 23rd, at 2:30 PM local time at the Dubai International Stadium. India enters the match with a commanding psychological advantage, having won both previous ODIs against Pakistan at this very venue. A victory would secure a hat-trick of wins for India at the Dubai stadium against their arch-rivals.

The two teams last met at the Dubai International Stadium during the 2018 Asia Cup. India convincingly won both encounters. In the first match, India triumphed by 8 wickets, chasing down a modest 162-run target. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the Player of the Match, taking 3 wickets for 15 runs. In the second match, India chased down 237/7, with centuries from Rohit Sharma (111*) and Shikhar Dhawan (114) securing a 9-wicket victory.

While India boasts a perfect record against Pakistan in Dubai, the overall ODI head-to-head stands at 73 wins for Pakistan and 57 for India out of 135 matches. Five matches ended without a result.

This match is crucial for both teams. Pakistan, after losing their opening match to New Zealand, needs a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive. A defeat would severely hamper their tournament prospects. India, having defeated Bangladesh in their opener, will aim to secure a semi-final berth with a victory.

Rohit Sharma is expected to field a similar Indian team, while Pakistan is likely to replace the injured Fakhar Zaman with Imam-ul-Haq. Potential playing XIs for both teams have been released. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two cricketing giants.

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