IND vs PAK Preview : India Firm Favorites as Dubai Miracle Pakistan Only Hope

This isn’t just another group-stage match—it’s a do-or-die moment for Pakistan. After a crushing 60-run defeat to New Zealand in Karachi, the defending champions are teetering on the edge of an early exit from the tournament they’re co-hosting. Imagine the heartbreak: the first ICC event on home soil in 29 years, and they’re staring at the door after just two games. India, on the other hand, are buzzing with confidence. Their six-wicket dismantling of Bangladesh in Dubai showcased a team in sync—batters firing, bowlers striking, and a captain in Rohit Sharma who’s mastered the art of staying cool under pressure.

The history adds spice. India have won five straight ODIs against Pakistan since the latter’s iconic 2017 Champions Trophy final triumph. Pakistan’s only flickers of success against India in recent years came in that final and a T20 World Cup upset in 2021. For them to turn the tide now, it’ll take more than just skill—it’ll take magic.

Why India Are the Firm Favorites

India’s tag as favorites isn’t just hype—it’s backed by cold, hard facts. Here’s why they’re the team to beat:

• Form on Fire: India are unbeaten in their last four ODIs, including a 3-0 sweep of England and that Bangladesh win. Eight wins from nine white-ball games in 2025? That’s dominance.
• Balanced Attack: From Rohit’s aggression at the top to Mohammed Shami’s lethal pace and Kuldeep Yadav’s spin wizardry, India have every base covered.
• Dubai Comfort: They’ve already played and won here, chasing 229 with ease against Bangladesh. Familiarity breeds confidence.
• Rivalry Edge: India’s 12-4 ODI record against Pakistan since 2010, including a perfect 2-0 at this venue, screams superiority.

Rohit Sharma’s men aren’t just playing cricket—they’re scripting a masterclass. Vice-captain Shubman Gill, fresh off a ton against Bangladesh, summed it up: “We want to play positive, aggressive cricket.” With Virat Kohli sharpening his game against spin and Hardik Pandya ready to explode, India look unstoppable.

Pakistan’s Miracle Mission in Dubai

If Pakistan are to defy the odds, they’ll need to channel their chaotic brilliance—the kind that stunned India in 2017. But the road ahead is steep:

• Shaky Start: A heavy loss to New Zealand exposed cracks—batting collapses, bowling inconsistency, and Fakhar Zaman’s injury hitting hard.
• Pressure Cooker: After waiting decades to host an ICC event, an early exit would sting deep. Captain Mohammad Rizwan faces a defining moment.
• Dubai Challenge: They’re landing in Dubai after a Karachi defeat, facing a pitch they haven’t tested yet in this tournament.

Yet, Pakistan’s unpredictability is their X-factor. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s pace, Babar Azam’s elegance, and Abrar Ahmed’s mystery spin could spark something special. Former India pacer Atul Wassan even mused, “I hope Pakistan win, just to shake things up!” It’s a long shot, but cricket thrives on miracles.

The Dubai Pitch: A Spinner’s Paradise?

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium isn’t the batting paradise it once was. After a gruelling ILT20 season, the pitches have slowed down, favoring guile over brute force. Here’s what to expect:

• Low and Slow: The average first-innings score in Dubai ODIs is 218. Against Bangladesh, the pitch got sluggish as the game wore on.
• Spin to Win: India’s trio of Kuldeep, Jadeja, and Axar could feast here. Pakistan’s lone specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, will need support from part-timers.
• Toss Advantage: With no dew in afternoon games (thanks to the 1 PM local start), batting first is gold. Gill reckons 300-325 is a winning total—tough, but not impossible.

Pakistan’s pace-heavy attack—Shaheen, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf—might struggle if the ball doesn’t zip. India, with their spin depth, seem tailor-made for these conditions.

Key Battles to Watch

Every India-Pakistan clash has its mini-dramas. Here are the showdowns that could decide the game:

• Rohit Sharma vs Shaheen Shah Afridi: Shaheen’s got Rohit’s number in the past, but the Indian skipper smoked him for sixes in their last ODI meeting. Edge: Rohit.
• Virat Kohli vs Abrar Ahmed: Kohli’s recent spin struggles (out to Rashid and Rishad lately) make this a mouthwatering duel. Can Abrar exploit it?
• Babar Azam vs Mohammed Shami: Shami’s back to his swinging best. Babar’s class will be tested early.
• Salman Ali Agha vs Indian Spinners: Pakistan’s spin-buster loves the sweep shot. Kuldeep and Co. will look to trap him.

These battles aren’t just stats—they’re the heartbeat of this rivalry.

Probable Playing XIs: Who Takes the Field?

Both teams have decisions to make. Here’s how they might line up:

India Probable XI

• Rohit Sharma (c)
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul (wk)
• Hardik Pandya
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Axar Patel
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Mohammed Shami
• Harshit Rana

Note: No changes expected after the Bangladesh win. Rishabh Pant’s fever might keep him sidelined.

Pakistan Probable XI

• Imam-ul-Haq
• Babar Azam
• Saud Shakeel
• Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk)
• Salman Ali Agha
• Tayyab Tahir
• Khushdil Shah
• Shaheen Shah Afridi
• Naseem Shah
• Haris Rauf
• Abrar Ahmed

Note: Imam replaces the injured Fakhar Zaman, adding stability but lacking explosiveness.

Head-to-Head: A Tale of Two Eras

In 135 ODIs, Pakistan lead 73-57, but the modern era tilts heavily toward India. Since 2010, India’s 12-4 record shines, though Pakistan edge the Champions Trophy head-to-head 3-2, thanks to that 180-run 2017 final romp. At Dubai, India’s 2-0 record looms large. History favors the Men in Blue, but Pakistan’s knack for the unexpected keeps fans guessing.

Predictions: Who Wins in Dubai?

India’s form, depth, and pitch familiarity make them the safer bet. Betting odds (India favored per Dafabet) agree. But Pakistan’s desperation could ignite a spark. If their bowlers click and Babar fires, we might—just might—see a Dubai miracle. My call? India by 30 runs or 6 wickets, unless Pakistan pull a rabbit out of the hat.

Why This Match Matters Beyond Cricket

India vs Pakistan isn’t just sport—it’s a cultural juggernaut. TV records will shatter, 25,000 fans will roar, and millions worldwide will hold their breath. As Gill put it, “Everyone enjoys watching it.” Win or lose, this clash defines cricket’s soul—a rivalry that transcends boundaries and unites in passion.

Final Thoughts: Will Miracles Happen?

India enter as giants, Pakistan as underdogs. The Dubai stage is set for a classic: dominance versus defiance. Can Pakistan script a fairy tale, or will India march on? One thing’s certain—February 23, 2025, will be a day cricket fans won’t forget. Grab your popcorn, pick your side, and let the drama unfold!