ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Pakistan preview and head-to-head records

Any rivalry celebrated as the "biggest rivalry in the sport" showcases a neck-to-neck tussle. If viewed from recent records, some might question the hype behind an India vs Pakistan clash. However, the fraternity and fans know that multiple aspects fuel the tension between the border-sharing neighbors. With their interactions now limited to ICC tournaments only, the rivalry has intensified. Clashing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan is on a mission to defend its title. Meanwhile, the Men in Blue have the 2017 Champions Trophy final defeat to avenge when they meet on February 23 in Dubai. Interestingly, the 2017 victory remains the last instance where Pakistan defeated India in an ODI.

India vs Pakistan: What's at stake for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash?

The hosts kicked off the ICC Champions Trophy against New Zealand in Karachi. However, the match marked their third straight loss to the Kiwis in a week. The 60-run defeat at the National Stadium put Pakistan largely out of semi-final contention in the very first match of the tournament. Now, the defending champions see the India vs Pakistan clash as their only remaining chance to extend their stay in the competition. India, meanwhile, looked in fine touch as they beat Bangladesh by six wickets in Dubai in their campaign opener.

As the India vs Pakistan match kicks off on Sunday, India will hope to continue its sublime form. The team boasts a formidable opening pair with skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Gill appears to be in the form of his life, having notched consecutive centuries in the format. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, has regained his much-needed form, providing his team with a strong start in the powerplay. The concern, however, remains with Virat Kohli, who once again failed to deliver in the India vs Bangladesh Champions Trophy match.

However, when Pakistan is on the other side, Virat Kohli is always a looming threat. Overall, he remains the highest scorer for India against Pakistan among active cricketers, with 1,170 runs in 27 matches at an average of 58.50. When filtered to ODIs alone, Kohli averages 52.15, with 678 runs in 16 clashes. Thus, despite his recent slump, Virat Kohli remains a key player to watch in the highly anticipated clash. In the bowling department, Mohammed Shami is India's most lethal weapon. A different beast in ICC tournaments, Shami marked his return with a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh.

Pakistan has a lot at stake when they face India on Sunday. The fixture isn't just a hyped-up rivalry but their only chance to stay in the tournament. With the 60-run loss against New Zealand, Pakistan's Champions Trophy campaign is hanging by a thread. Meanwhile, batters Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah carry the hopes of the team as Babar Azam struggles with form. In the bowling department, Pakistan will look to spinner Abrar Ahmed to challenge Virat Kohli, who has been struggling against spin lately. Otherwise, their speedsters, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, have shown a dangerous tendency to leak crucial runs.

India vs Pakistan: Head-to-Head Record in ODIs and ICC Champions Trophy

Historically, Pakistan holds an edge over its neighbors in the 50-over format. However, when attention shifts to their recent face-offs, India has dominated, winning the last six matches against Pakistan since 2018. Moreover, Pakistan’s victory in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final remains their last registered win over the arch-rivals.

India vs Pakistan Head-to-Head in ODIs

• Matches – 135
• India Won – 57
• Pakistan Won – 73
• No Result – 5

India vs Pakistan Head-to-Head in ICC Champions Trophy

• Matches – 5
• India Won – 2
• Pakistan Won – 3