It is once again time for the fiercest rivalry in cricket, India vs Pakistan, as both teams go head-to-head, in their second clash of the Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit Sharma‘s men are coming into the match on the back of a solid six-wicket win, while the Pakistani’s not only lost their match to New Zealand, but also star batter Fakhar Zaman.
India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025
Over the years, there isn’t any doubt, that India is the stronger team, and Pakistan lacks in every department. The gap between the two sides is so apparent, that even ex-skipper like Shahid Afridi too admitted to it. “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,” Afridi said on JioHotstar.
“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. 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 batsmen, bowlers, or spinners—everyone’s contribution is crucial.”
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Shahid Afridi categorically mentioned that skipper Mohammad Rizwan will have to not only lead from the front, but also take the entire team together. “As a captain, Rizwan has to set an example for others—that is very important. He must perform in every game, and his attitude, body language, and leadership matter a lot. Being a captain comes with equal amounts of praise and criticism.
“His performance will be crucial, as he is the glue that holds the team together. He treats everyone equally, he is a fighter, and his energy on the field is infectious. I have seen him step up in big matches, and I am confident he will lead the team well.” Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir’s Team India will play their last group match vs New Zealand on March 2, after the India-Pakistan match.
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