India vs Pakistan Live Score, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Struggling Pakistan aim to stay alive against in-form India

India vs Pakistan Live Score, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The Biggest Rivalry in Cricket Returns

It’s the one everyone marks on their calendars, the match that transcends the sport itself. Few rivalries in cricket—or even in global sports—carry the weight of an India vs Pakistan showdown. Today, the two cricketing giants will add another dramatic chapter to their storied history as they clash on the world stage in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Contrasting Starts to the Tournament

India and Pakistan enter this contest on opposite ends of the momentum spectrum. Pakistan, struggling for form, faced New Zealand three times in just over a week, and three times they came up short. Their latest 60-run defeat highlighted issues across the board—an ineffective bowling attack and a batting unit that failed to fire.

India, meanwhile, had a strong start against Bangladesh, though they allowed the Tigers to fight back in Dubai. A composed, risk-free chase anchored by a Shubman Gill century ensured India began their campaign with confidence, carrying vital momentum into this high-stakes clash.

India vs Pakistan: Head-to-Head in ODIs

• Matches Played: 135
• India Won: 57
• Pakistan Won: 73
• Last Five Matches: India 5-0

Though Pakistan is the official host of this tournament, today's match in Dubai tilts conditions slightly in India's favor. Despite the fierce rivalry, recent history has been lopsided—India has dominated Pakistan in ODIs, winning their last five encounters. Pakistan’s last victory over India in this format came in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. Since then, India has been in control, including a dominant win in the 2023 World Cup, where they bowled out Pakistan for 191 and chased the target with 20 overs to spare.

Likely Playing XIs

India:

• Openers: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill
• Top Order: Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer
• Middle Order: KL Rahul (WK)
• All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja
• Bowlers: Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav

Pakistan:

• Openers: Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam
• Middle Order: Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (C, WK), Tayyab Tahir
• All-rounders: Khusdil Shah, Salman Agha
• Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

India the Favorites, but Pakistan Have No Choice but to Fight

On paper, India holds the upper hand. Rohit Sharma looks to be regaining form, while Shubman Gill continues to prove why he is regarded as one of the best ODI batters in the world. With Pakistan missing key players like Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman due to injury, their already struggling lineup faces even more pressure.

Babar Azam must step up. His innings against New Zealand lacked intent, and if Pakistan is to compete, he needs to lead from the front—even if he’s no longer the official captain. Anything less, and Pakistan could be staring at an early exit from the tournament.

For India, the key will be maintaining control. Mohammed Shami’s blistering five-wicket haul against Bangladesh reaffirmed his world-class ability, and India's bowling unit looks well-equipped for Dubai's conditions. However, chasing on a slowing pitch could be tricky, especially against Pakistan’s formidable pace attack. Patience and adaptability will be crucial.

Final Word: Expect Fireworks

India enters as the overwhelming favorite, but Pakistan, with their backs against the wall, will be desperate to keep their Champions Trophy hopes alive. The stakes are massive, the pressure is immense, and the world will be watching.

Can Pakistan turn things around, or will India continue their dominance? One thing is certain—this is a match that needs no introduction.