KKN Gurugram Desk | The stage is set for another chapter in one of the most fierce rivalries in world cricket as India and Pakistan prepare to face off in the much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai on February 23, 2025. With excitement mounting among fans across the globe, former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has weighed in with his prediction, positioning India as the favorite to win the match, with a 70% chance of victory.

Ali’s assessment comes as both teams ramp up their preparations for the tournament. India is gearing up with a series of ODI matches against England, while Pakistan is honing its skills in a tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand.

Basit Ali’s Prediction for India vs Pakistan: A 70-30 Outlook

Basit Ali, who played for Pakistan during the 1990s and is now a prominent cricket analyst, discussed his views on his YouTube channel. He predicted that India has a 70% chance of emerging victorious, with Pakistan’s chances resting at 30%.

Ali attributed India’s edge to the vast experience within the squad, especially players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have been in formidable form in recent years. According to Ali, the form of these two key players will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the high-stakes match.

“India has a more experienced side. If Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are in form, India will be difficult to beat. If they are not, the game will be more balanced,” Ali remarked. He stressed that these players could make a huge difference with their batting prowess and leadership skills, both of which are vital in high-pressure situations like an India-Pakistan match.

The Historical Context of India vs Pakistan in the Champions Trophy

The upcoming match holds immense significance, especially when considering the history of encounters between India and Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. Over the years, the two teams have been part of some thrilling contests, with the rivalry reaching new heights in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. On that occasion, Pakistan delivered a dominant performance, beating India by 180 runs to win their maiden Champions Trophy title.

Historically, India has enjoyed an edge in many of their encounters, but Pakistan has shown that they can rise to the occasion in tournaments like the Champions Trophy. The last five meetings between the two teams in the Champions Trophy have seen Pakistan lead 3-2, giving them a slight advantage in the tournament’s context. This creates a fascinating dynamic heading into the 2025 edition.

India’s Preparation: A Strategic Build-Up to the Champions Trophy

India is taking a methodical approach to their preparations for the Champions Trophy. As part of their pre-tournament strategy, they have organized a three-match ODI series against England. The series will kick off in Nagpur, followed by games in Cuttack, and will conclude in Ahmedabad on February 12, 2025.

The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, is looking to fine-tune their game before the Champions Trophy, and the England series will provide them with valuable exposure to tough competition. Players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya will be looking to build their form in the lead-up to the highly anticipated clash with Pakistan.

While India focuses on building momentum with the ODIs against England, their bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, will also be key in determining their success. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, India will aim to approach the match against Pakistan with the right blend of aggression and caution.

Pakistan’s Preparation: Building Confidence with Tri-Series Involvement

On the other hand, Pakistan has chosen to participate in a tri-series with South Africa and New Zealand before the Champions Trophy. This tri-series, which will see Pakistan take on two of the most competitive teams in world cricket, is expected to help Pakistan fine-tune its strategies and build confidence ahead of the tournament.

Pakistan’s cricketing fortunes have often been unpredictable, but their recent performances suggest that they could spring a surprise in the Champions Trophy. Players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan have been in excellent form, and their performances in the tri-series will be critical in shaping their approach for the India match.

Pakistan’s bowling attack, with Shaheen Afridi leading the charge, will be crucial in challenging India’s powerful batting lineup. Afridi’s ability to swing the ball early and set up wickets will provide a big test for India’s openers.

The Impact of Key Players: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

The focus of many cricket analysts, including Basit Ali, is on the form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. These two players have been stalwarts of Indian cricket for over a decade and are considered among the best in world cricket. Kohli, known for his consistency in run-chases, and Sharma, with his explosive batting at the top of the order, are both critical to India’s chances of success.

Kohli’s mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure have made him a key player in any tournament, and his experience in high-pressure matches, such as the World Cup and previous Champions Trophy tournaments, makes him one of India’s biggest assets. Rohit, on the other hand, brings the ability to change the game with his aggressive batting, making him an important asset at the top of the order.

Both players, along with other stalwarts like Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant, are likely to play a big role in deciding India’s chances against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.

The Rivalry and Anticipation Around the Match

The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most intense and historic rivalries in international cricket. The upcoming match on February 23, 2025, is bound to be another thrilling contest, with millions of fans from both nations tuning in. The emotion, passion, and high stakes associated with this rivalry make it a spectacle that transcends just a regular cricket match.

Fans from both countries are eagerly anticipating the match, with hopes high for a victory. For India, winning the Champions Trophy against Pakistan would be a significant achievement, while Pakistan will look to prove themselves once again on the world stage, much like they did in 2017 when they defeated India in the final.

India’s Chances of Success: A Balanced Assessment

As Basit Ali has pointed out, India’s experience and depth in both batting and bowling make them the favorites in this encounter. With a balanced squad, India has the upper hand in terms of overall consistency and performance, especially in high-pressure matches. However, it would be a mistake to underestimate Pakistan, who have the ability to upset the odds.

The outcome of this match will depend not just on the performance of individual players but on how well the teams adapt to the conditions in Dubai. The weather, pitch conditions, and the ability to handle pressure will play a significant role in shaping the result.

As the India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy match draws closer, the excitement continues to build. Both teams have their strengths, and the match promises to be a thrilling encounter. With Basit Ali’s prediction of a 70% chance for India, it’s clear that India is the favorite, but as always in this intense rivalry, anything can happen on the day.

For cricket fans worldwide, this match will be an event to remember, as the two teams battle it out for supremacy. Whether India will live up to expectations or Pakistan will cause an upset remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – this match will be nothing short of exhilarating.