The India vs Pakistan match at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set for February 23 in Dubai. Pakistan leads their Champions Trophy encounters 3-2. Highlights include India’s title wins in 2002 and 2013, against Pakistan’s single victory in 2017. Both teams share a long-standing rivalry with memorable matches that showcase their competitive spirit.
The India vs Pakistan match at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled for February 23 at Dubai Cricket Stadium. India has secured the Champions Trophy title twice, in 2002 and 2013, while Pakistan won once in 2017. The event returns to Pakistan after a 30-year absence and an eight-year break from the ICC tournament circuit.
Historically, India and Pakistan have faced off only five times in the Champions Trophy. Currently, Pakistan holds a slight advantage with a head-to-head record of 3-2 against India. The rivalry has intensified over the years with memorable contests that showcase the cricketing prowess of both teams.
The first encounter occurred during the 2004 Champions Trophy in Birmingham, where India struggled, finishing at 200 all out. Pakistan responded with resilience, reaching 201 runs for a victory led by Mohammad Yousuf’s unbeaten 81. This match set the tone for their competitive meetings.
In their second match, which took place in Centurion, Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik scored a significant 128 runs. Despite Ashish Nehra’s four-wicket haul for India, they fell short, losing by 54 runs while chasing a target of 303 runs. Pakistan’s strong batting solidified their dominance in the rivalry at that time.
In 2013, India leveled the series with a compelling performance in Birmingham, restricting Pakistan to just 165 runs. Rain interruptions led to a revised chase of 102 runs, which India accomplished comfortably, winning by eight wickets. India eventually clinched the trophy that year, defeating England in the final.
The 2017 encounter in the UK saw India once again tie the record at 2-2. India set a formidable target of 319 runs, bolstered by Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan’s partnership. However, they managed to bowl Pakistan out for 164 runs, showcasing a dominant display in their bowling unit.
In the 2017 final at The Oval, despite expectations, India succumbed to Fakhar Zaman’s explosive 114 runs, allowing Pakistan to score 338. Chasing, India collapsed dramatically, losing their final wicket for just 158 runs, which led to Pakistan winning their first Champions Trophy title.
The India vs Pakistan rivalry in the ICC Champions Trophy has seen both teams experience high-pressure encounters since their first match in 2004. Pakistan leads the series 3-2, with significant victories highlighted by individual performances like those of Mohammad Yousuf, Shoaib Malik, and Fakhar Zaman. The upcoming match in 2025 is set to renew this storied rivalry once again.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
