India-Pakistan rivalry will be at its peak on Sunday when the two arch-rivals go against each other in a must-win clash for Team Pakistan to avoid an early exit from the tournament.

This blockbuster clash will be the most-watched game in the Champions Trophy.

The clash is even more significant as Pakistan won their maiden ICC Champions Trophy title beating India in the finals in the last edition of the Champions Trophy.

Due to Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border terrorism, India had severed all cricketing ties with Pakistan and they only play their arch-rivals in ICC events as an exception from their stand.

Due to the political tensions between the two nations and citing security concerns, the Indian team refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.

India Plays in Dubai, Pakistan’s Semi-Final Hopes at Stake

As a compromise, ICC allowed India to play their matches in Dubai. The Semi-Finals and Finals will also be played in Dubai if India qualifies for the same.

For Pakistan to host Semis and Finals in Pakistan, they will need India to not qualify for the knock-out stage.

So, there is enough motivation for the host nation and too much on stake for the Sunday clash.

Pakistan will be literally out of the tournament if they do not win this clash.

Tickets for the marquee game in Dubai were sold in seconds as compared to empty stands in Pakistan for the opener between the host and New Zealand. This proves how significant this particular clash is for a cricket fan.

The game will be watched not only by the  25,000 spectators at the Dubai International Stadium but also by millions across the globe who will be glued to their TV sets.

Pakistan’s Struggles and Injury Woes

Pakistan had a lack luster first game against the Kiwis and injury to their star opener Fakhar Zaman has not helped their campaign.

Pakistan led by Mohammad Rizwan was comprehensively beaten by New Zealand by 60 runs in Karachi which makes the India- Pakistan Clash a must-win for the host nation.

The top two teams from each of the two groups make the semi-finals.

Pakistan will have to bring their A-game on Sunday.

Pakistan’s lack of consistency has proven to be their biggest nemesis with constant movement in the playing eleven.

Recently Pakistan chased down a record 353 against South Africa but struggled to cross 242 and 260 in their last 2 clashes with the Kiwis including the tournament opener

Advantage India – Can They End Pakistan’s Campaign?

Hurt by their defeat to Pakistan in the finals of the  Champions trophy, India has won five of the last six games against their greatest rivals, with one rained off.

The last India-Pakistan game was in the 2023 World Cup which was won by India by 7 wickets.

India will go into this clash on a winning note after comprehensively beating Bangladesh in their first game. Another win against Pakistan will qualify them in the knockout stage.

India’s Strengths and Challenges

India Batting and Bowling looks settled.

The only negative from the last game against Bangladesh was the inability to close the game early after taking 5 quick wickets.

Fielding will also need to improve from the last game.

India’s only concern will be the form of Virat Kohli who has still not looked comfortable, especially against wrist spin.

Pakistan’s Preparedness and Mindset

After losing their first match to New Zealand, Pakistan risks bowing out of the tournament they are the host of,  if India beats them on Sunday.

Injury to Fakhar Zaman and lack of quality spinners will be a concern area for Pakistan in Dubai Pitches.

Pakistan will benefit from playing in Dubai to avoid the unnecessary scrutiny of the Press and the Public.

Playing in Dubai International Cricket Stadium may work to Pakistan’s advantage, as they have had success in these conditions before.

Pakistan’s team knows that a win against India is a bigger reward than winning the Trophy due to the bitter rivalry between the two nations.

If India wins against Pakistan, it will all but confirm Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy 2025. But if Pakistan pulls off a victory, it will make Group A wide open, setting up an exciting finale to the group stages.

With India vs Pakistan match predictions being the hottest topic in world cricket, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma’s leadership, Shubman Gill’s form, and India’s pace attack as they look to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Who will emerge victorious? Will India seal their semi-final spot, or will Pakistan fight back and keep their tournament hopes alive? The Super Sunday showdown is set to be an unmissable thriller.