India vs Pakistan: Shahid Afridi gives India the edge in the Champions Trophy encounter

India and Pakistan are set to face off in one of the most anticipated encounters of the 2025 Champions Trophy, with Match 5 taking place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. This high-octane clash has all the ingredients for an intense contest, as both teams look to prove their dominance in the tournament. Former Pakistan captain, Shahid Afridi, weighed in on the upcoming battle, sharing his thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the two teams. Afridi noted that India’s current squad had more match-winners compared to Pakistan, making them a formidable side. He pointed out the presence of top players in India’s ranks, with the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah all capable of turning the game in India’s favor.

Afridi further emphasized that Pakistan would need contributions from every player in the XI to compete with India, underscoring the importance of a collective effort. He mentioned that Pakistan’s chances of success against India would depend on how well they execute their strategies and how their players rise to the occasion. As the two teams prepare to lock horns, Afridi’s insights have certainly added to the excitement surrounding this epic showdown.

"If we talk about match-winners, I'd say that India has more match-winners compared to Pakistan. A match-winner is someone who knows how to win the game single-handedly. Right now, we don’t have such players in Pakistan. India's strength lies in its middle and lower order, which has been winning them matches. For a long time, we have been giving opportunities to players, but no one has stepped up consistently," stated former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi in a recent interview. 

Some have performed in a few games, but we don’t have players who have sustained their performance for a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches. That’s where we are a little weaker compared to India, which is very strong in this area. But the key to winning against India is collective performance -whether it's the batters, bowlers, or spinners - everyone’s contribution is crucial," he added.

The two teams, India and Pakistan, had very different experiences in their opening matches of the Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan, facing New Zealand, struggled to chase down a formidable target of 321 runs and ended up on the losing side, unable to match the Kiwis’ performance. On the other hand, India had a much smoother start to their campaign, comfortably securing a six-wicket victory against Bangladesh. Despite the contrasting results, the hype for the India-Pakistan clash remains as high as ever. The excitement surrounding this match is undeniable, and fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

The build-up to this game has been intense, with both teams knowing the importance of a victory in this high-pressure match. India, with their solid performance in the opener, will be looking to maintain their momentum, while Pakistan will be aiming for a strong comeback after their disappointing loss. The rivalry between the two nations adds an extra layer of intrigue, making this game one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the tournament. With both teams eager to prove themselves, fans can expect an entertaining and fiercely contested match on Sunday.