India and Pakistan will clash in the high-voltage ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai on February 23, 2025. This one of the most anticipated matches of this tournament as the stakes are high and for Pakistan, this is a must-win game, as they lost to New Zealand in the opening match.
A loss to India will mean an early exit from the tournament for Pakistan. And former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and cricketer Ramiz Raja believes their underdog status could work to their advantage.
Raja hinted that a Pakistan upset at the Dubai International Stadium would be possible due to India's weaknesses in the top order and tactical bowling changes.
"India already has a victory under their belt, beating Bangladesh in their first game. Pakistan, desperate to get off the mark, will enter the much-awaited game as the underdogs. But that can actually be an advantage because it allows them to play without much pressure," Raja wrote in his column in the Dawn.
Pakistan is in a must-win situation after losing to New Zealand by 60 runs in their opening match. Raja did point out that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India's batting mainstays, aren't playing at their best right now.
"India's batting mainstays Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not currently in great form, and if Shubman Gill -- who scored a century to guide India to victory against Bangladesh -- gets out early, Pakistan will have a good chance to slow down India's scoring," he said.
Raja highlighted their failure to rotate the strike effectively, pointing to the staggering 145 dot balls while chasing 320.
"The top order often takes too long to start scoring and taking risks, worrying about getting out. This fearful mindset hinders the team's ability to set or chase targets," he observed.
A more incisive strategy is also required for Pakistan's bowling attack. Their pace bowlers, according to Raja, lacked variety and composure under duress.
"Where are the yorkers, the slower bouncers, or subtle variations? The spinners have been bowling too fast and defensively. That will need to change," he warned.
Despite Pakistan's early setback, Raja remains optimistic.
"It wasn't the ideal start, but when playing against India, Pakistan often rise to the occasion and play with great passion for their country and fans. However, it is also important for them to stay calm under pressure and effectively follow their bowling plans, especially in the final stages of the match,” he added.
"On Sunday, there will be added pressure. The stadium will be packed with more Indian fans than Pakistan fans. It would be a great day to win against the odds!" he concluded.
