India vs Pakistan: Clash in Dubai
Set for Sunday (February 23), this high-profile Champions Trophy contest begins at 2:30 PM. India holds a comforting record at Dubai International Stadium, having faced Pakistan twice in the ODI format and triumphed both times. Now, India stands on the brink of a triumphant hat-trick against their arch-rivals.
The two nations clashed here on September 19, 2018, during the Asia Cup. India secured an emphatic 8-wicket victory, with Pakistan setting a target of 162 runs. Bhunveshwar Kumar shone as 'Player of the Match', claiming 3 wickets for just 15 runs in 7 overs.
Superb performances by Kedar Jadhav (3 wickets) and Jasprit Bumrah (2 wickets) dazzled in the bowling department. Captain Rohit Sharma's 52-run inning was a highlight in the run chase, with excellent support from opener Shikhar Dhawan (46) and unbeaten partnerships by Dinesh Karthik (31*) and Ambati Rayudu (31*).
Once again, on September 23, 2018, these teams locked horns in Dubai during the 'Super-Four' stage. Pakistan scored 237/7, powered by Shoaib Malik's 78-run innings. India, thanks to centuries from Rohit Sharma (111*) and Shikhar Dhawan (114) cruised to a 9-wicket victory.
Historically, India boasts a flawless Dubai record against Pakistan. However, when considering overall ODI statistics, Pakistan leads 73-57 out of 135 games, with 5 resulting in no outcome.
Source: aajtak
Following their loss to New Zealand, Pakistan now faces a do-or-die match against India. A defeat would severely hinder their chances of reaching the tournament's semi-finals.
India, having defeated Bangladesh in their opener, will almost guarantee a semi-final spot by defeating Pakistan. Conversely, Pakistan's defeat would dim their semi-final dream significantly.
Rohit Sharma's playing eleven might see minimal changes against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq is set to replace the injured Fakhar Zaman for Pakistan.
India's Probable Playing XI Against Pakistan:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami
Pakistan's Probable Playing XI Against India:
Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (Captain, Wicketkeeper), Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain), Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
India vs Pakistan - ODI Head-to-Head:
Total Matches: 135 India Wins: 57 Pakistan Wins: 73 Ties: 0 No Result: 5
