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The much-awaited clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is underway as the arch-rivals, India and Pakistan are locking horns in the fifth match of the tournament at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pakistani skipper Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to bat first in a do-or-die encounter against India and will look to keep their chances alive for the semi-finals/ On the other hand, India will be looking to avenge the 2017 final defeat against Pakistan.
Talking about the playing XIs, India have opted to go with the same lineup which helped them to win their opening clash against Bangladesh at the same ground. However, Pakistan are coming up with one change as Imam-ul-Haq has replaced Fakhar Zaman in the playing XI.
Why Fakhar Zaman is not playing in Champions Trophy clash vs India?
Pakistan will be playing without their star batter Fakhar Zaman in all important Champions Trophy 2025 clash against India. The opening batter was adjudged player of the match for his match-winning ton in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy vs India as Pakistan stunned arch-rivals to win the title that year.
Notably, Fakhar Zaman injured himself while fielding on the very first over of Pakistan’s opening clash against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. He had to leave the field but was back after staying out for sometime. He also came to bat but wasn’t looking good touch and got out after scoring 24 runs off 41 balls. After the match, it was confirmed that Fakhar Zaman sustained a lower back injury and ruled out of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad. He was replaced by Imam-ul-Haq who will be taking charge of the opening along with Babar Azam.
