Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan wins toss, elects to bat first against India

In the highly charged fifth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan won the toss against India and opted to bat first.

After winning the toss, Rizwan expressed his hope to set a big target for India saying, "We will try to set a big target for India."

He further added, "We are familiar with the conditions and will put on our best performance."

He admitted that every match in an ICC event is important and that the record of the Pakistani team in the Dubai stadium has been very good.

Rizwan revealed the changes made in the team, stating, "There has been one change in the national team. Imam-ul-Haq has replaced Fakhar Zaman in the squad."

The most anticipated showdown of the cricket world is set to unfold today at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, where arch-rivals Pakistan and India will go head-to-head.

The match holds immense emotional significance for cricket fans. It is also a crucial test of nerves and skills for both teams as they aim to showcase their best performances.

The Pakistan team has worked hard to overcome its weaknesses and has prepared rigorously for this high-stakes encounter.

All eyes are on star players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, who are expected to play a pivotal role in securing victory for their team.

Pakistani cricket lovers are hopeful for a run-fest from Babar Azam, while they eagerly await a magical spell from Shaheen Afridi.

The last time these sub-continental rivals met in a Champions Trophy match was the 2017 final, where Pakistan emerged victorious, claiming both the win and the trophy.

That victory remains Pakistan’s last ODI win over India, as Rohit Sharma’s men have since dominated the rivalry, claiming victory in five of the last six encounters, with one match abandoned due to rain.