India are all set to take on Pakistan in a blockbuster encounter in the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. This is without a doubt the biggest match till date in the competition this year, and millions of eyes will be glued to what the outcome will be in this clash between the two biggest arch-rivals. This will be the first time that the two sides are taking on each in the competition since the 2017 final, which the Men in Blue lost, thus handing Pakistan their first and only Champions Trophy title win till date.

India and Pakistan have faced each other five times in Champions Trophy history. The Men in Green have the advantage with three wins, while India have just two. Hence, if we go by historically, then it is Pakistan who are the favourites to win this game. However, current form and conditions in Dubai tell a different story altogether.

Spin Factor Coming In To Play

The biggest factor that will come into play during the India vs Pakistan match is spin. The Dubai track is sluggish and a rank turner, as was visible during the India vs Bangladesh encounter. Hence, the team with the better spin attack will go in with a huge advantage.

India have a plethora of spin bowlers in their lineup. They are likely to go with the trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. India can also go in with an extra spinner in Varun Chakravarthy or Washington Sundar as well instead of a pacer. On the other hand, Pakistan have only one specialist spinner in their attack- Abrar Ahmed. Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha are predominantly batting all-rounders who can bowl a bit of spin. This gulf of class in the spin department puts India at a huge advantage.

India will be coming into this game on the back of an impressive win against Bangladesh. On the other hand, Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat at home at the hands of New Zealand in their first match of the Champions Trophy 2025. Hence, this will be a must-win match for the Men in Green if they aim to progress in the semi-final of the mega ICC tournament. Hence, going by current form too, India are expected to win this encounter

Going by the conditions, and current for, it is Inia who are the hands-down favourites to win the encounter. This would mean that India would more or less assure themselves of qualification to the semi-final. On the other hand, Pakistan will be virtually knocked out of the competition.

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