As anticipation builds for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash between India and Pakistan on Sunday, February 23, the rivalry promises to once again captivate cricket fans across the globe. This isn’t just another match—it’s a highly charged encounter fueled by history, pride, and the quest for redemption. With India gearing up to settle scores from their 2017 defeat, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown. Here are five compelling reasons why India is poised to defeat Pakistan in this much-anticipated contest.
The ICC Champions Trophy begins on Wednesday with eight teams competing in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates for the prestigious title. Here are three highly anticipated matches to watch https://t.co/ro2mInVBi6 pic.twitter.com/dSMOWzuyVu
— AJE Sport (@AJE_Sport) February 17, 2025
1. India’s Exceptional Current Form
When it comes to any major tournament, a team’s current form is paramount, and India enters this match on the back of a phenomenal run. With a balanced squad and several key players in top form, India’s chances look brighter than ever. The Men in Blue recently demolished England in a home ODI series, securing a dominant 3-0 victory, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
India’s team is characterized by depth—every player contributes, and there’s a strong mix of experience and youthful energy. In comparison, Pakistan has been plagued by inconsistent performances. While they did reach the finals of the tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand, their victories were against weakened sides, including a deflated South African team. Furthermore, under Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy, Pakistan has yet to beat a full-strength, top-tier international side, making them vulnerable against India’s highly-motivated squad.
2. Virat Kohli: A Phenomenon Against Pakistan
Virat Kohli has built a reputation as Pakistan’s worst nightmare in ICC tournaments, and his recent return to form couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. Despite a challenging 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where runs were hard to come by, Kohli silenced critics with an elegant half-century in his last ODI appearance. And when it comes to playing Pakistan, Kohli’s game elevates to a new level.
His record against Pakistan is nothing short of extraordinary. In 16 ODIs, Kohli has accumulated 678 runs, including three centuries, at an average of 52. His remarkable unbeaten 82-run knock in the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup, which helped India snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, remains a cherished moment for fans. Kohli’s hunger for big-match performances, especially in high-pressure situations, ensures that he will be one of Pakistan’s biggest threats once again.
3. India’s Dominance in ICC Tournaments
India’s track record in ICC tournaments speaks volumes when it comes to their dominance over Pakistan. Since the 2017 Champions Trophy final, India has not lost an ICC ODI match to Pakistan, a stat that underscores their superiority in these high-stakes encounters. Historically, India has been unbeaten in the ICC World Cup against Pakistan, winning all eight of their matches. In T20 World Cups, India holds a commanding 6-1 advantage, with Pakistan’s lone victory coming in 2021.
This mental edge and experience of handling pressure in crucial games have often proven to be pivotal. India’s ability to deliver in ICC tournaments, coupled with their strong track record, gives them a clear advantage over Pakistan. The upcoming match will likely see India extend their streak of dominance in ICC events.
4. A Balanced Squad and a Winning Strategy
India’s squad has been carefully crafted to build on the successful blueprint established during their 2024 ICC T20 World Cup victory. A key feature of this strategy is the inclusion of two all-rounder spinners, alongside a specialist spinner like Kuldeep Yadav or Varun Chakravarthy, ensuring India has multiple bowling options. This depth in bowling complements their batting strength, making them a formidable force.
India’s batting lineup is also one of the most powerful in the world. With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, India possesses the firepower to chase down large totals or set imposing targets. The presence of all-rounders such as Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya further solidifies their batting depth, allowing them to recover from early setbacks.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s reliance on their top three batsmen—Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan—is a vulnerability. Should these players fail, Pakistan’s middle order often crumbles, leaving the team exposed. India’s well-rounded squad, capable of delivering across all departments, makes them the stronger side heading into this match.
5. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Struggles
Shaheen Shah Afridi has long been Pakistan’s most potent weapon in big-match situations, particularly against India. His ability to swing the ball and break through India’s top order has been a significant factor in Pakistan’s past successes. However, the current form of Afridi has raised concerns.
In the recently concluded tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand, Afridi struggled to maintain his usual high standards. His economy rate soared, with nearly seven runs per over, and although he took six wickets in three matches, half of those came in a single game. Afridi has failed to replicate the fiery spells that once made him a genuine threat, and his lack of consistency could prove costly against India.
If Afridi is unable to produce early breakthroughs, Pakistan’s bowling attack may be unable to contain India’s batting onslaught. India’s experienced top-order will look to exploit Afridi’s vulnerabilities, which could significantly diminish Pakistan’s chances of restricting India to a manageable total.
Place your bets at JitaBet, JitaWin, and Jita88, they offer really good odds, play and win big!
Looking good 😎
— ICC (@ICC) February 17, 2025
India stars received their ICC Awards and Team of the Year caps today 🧢
1. Rohit Sharma (T20I Team Of The Year)
2. Ravindra Jadeja (Test Team Of The Year)
3. Hardik Pandya (T20I Team Of The Year)
4. Arshdeep Singh (T20I Team Of The Year & Men’s T20I Player Of… pic.twitter.com/4fQAllyqr2
Conclusion: India’s Strong Odds to Prevail
India enters the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Pakistan as the stronger side, both on paper and in terms of current form. With a well-balanced squad, a proven track record in ICC events, Virat Kohli’s resurgence, and Pakistan’s recent inconsistency, India appears poised to emerge victorious. While Pakistan will undoubtedly come into the match with determination and intent, India’s superior team dynamics and historical advantage in ICC tournaments give them the upper hand.
Cricket fans around the world are in for a spectacle, but when the dust settles on February 23, it is highly likely that India will assert their dominance once again. Get ready for another classic showdown in which India will look to stamp their authority over Pakistan, delivering a statement performance and reaffirming their supremacy in international cricket.
