Credit: ICC
Pakistan started their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a humiliating 60-run loss at the hands of New Zealand at Karachi's National Stadium on February 19. Following their crushing defeat, they are facing ire of their supporters as they need to win their match against their arch-rivals India at the Dubai international Cricket Stadium on February 23 has become do-or-die as the defeat against the Men in Blue can eliminate the hosts from the competition. The defending champions have got a lot of issues but the biggest one emerged with Fakhar Zaman’s exit from the competition due to a lower-back injury.
Although Imam-ul-Haq has replaced Zaman in the squad, Pakistan will miss the services of the veteran as Imam’s record isn’t effective against India. However, the defending champions don’t have any other options currently and they will have to rely on their available players to stun India in the much-awaited Sunday game in Dubai. As Pakistan head towards their one of the biggest games in the competition, let’s assess their playing XI before the match.
In this article, SportsTiger predicts Pakistan’s probable playing XI versus India in the fifth Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai.
Openers: Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam
Imam-ul-Haq might be seen replacing Fakhar Zaman in the squad and his responsibility will be to step up in this crisis situation and deliver a solid knock to his side. Babar Azam will be expected to be attacking and deliver rapid innings to his team. In the previous game, he played a slow knock of 64 off 90 deliveries which got him a lot of criticism.
Middle-order batters: Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan
Saud Shakeel hasn’t looked great with his bat in recent games but the Pakistan team management might show trust in him against India to reinforce his team’s middle-order with skipper Mohammad Rizwan. The captain’s responsibility will be to lead his side from the front in the big game after his failure against the Kiwi team in the opening contest.
All-rounders: Salman Ali Agha, Kamran Ghulam, and Khushdil Shah
Salman Ali Agha looked in excellent touch with both bat and ball against New Zealand. He will look to continue his brilliant form against India in Dubai. After Tayyab Tahir’s dismal batting show against New Zealand, Kamran Ghulam might feature in Pakistan’s XI for the Dubai challenge. Khushdil Shah, who displayed fighting spirit with his bat in the opening match, will strive to be dominating in the upcoming match in all departments of the game.
Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed
Shaheen Shah Afridi looked completely out of rhythm against the Black Caps but the Pakistan team management will keep faith in their pace-bowling spearhead for the match against India. Naseem Shah will have to do wonders with the ball to help his side bounce back. Haris Rauf was the costliest bowler for Pakistan in the last match but he will be crucial for Pakistan’s fast-bowling trio. Abrar Ahmed looked disciplined with the ball against New Zealand and his team will want him to continue his brilliant work against India. Ahmed will require support from Salman Ali Agha to lead the spin-bowling attack from the front.
