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IND vs PAK Dream11 Prediction [Source: @BCCI, @Iam_Mian/x.com]
The stage is set for yet another India vs Pakistan clash as the two arch-rivals prepare to lock horns in Match 5 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The rivalry between the two sides is fiery and intense which is why fireworks are guaranteed.
India commenced their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign in style with a thumping six-wicket win over Bangladesh. With their clincial performance, the Men in Blue have put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the semifinals.
Shubman Gill stole the show with a stunning century while Mohammed Shami ran riot with a sensational five-wicket haul. With an important final group game against an in-form and India's biggest nemesis in ICC tournaments, New Zealand still ahead, Rohit Sharma and his men will be eager to take down a struggling Pakistan side and virtually seal their spot in the knockouts.
On the other hand, Mohammad Rizwan led Pakistan’s campaign has already hit a roadblock after an abysmal performance against New Zealand in Karachi. Chasing 321 for victory, they failed miserably under pressure and fell short by 60 runs.
This defeat has put Pakistan on the back foot and left them with no room for error. If they slip up against India, their semifinal hopes will be gone which makes making this clash a must-win encounter for the Men in Green.
Top 3 Captain And Vice-Captain Choices For IND vs PAK
At the start of the innings, fast bowlers will get plenty of assistance with the new ball swinging under the lights. The overcast conditions expected on match day will likely enhance this movement which will make life tricky for batters early on. Seamers who can hit the right lengths and extract lateral movement will be the ones to watch out for in the powerplay.
As the game progresses, batting becomes easier. If set, stroke-makers can pile on the runs, especially under the lights when the ball comes onto the bat nicely. However, run accumulation in the middle overs will be key as spinners are expected to come into play. The surface in Dubai tends to slow down as the match progresses, and spinners who can vary their pace and extract grip from the surface will be lethal.
Another crucial factor is dew which is expected to play a big role in the second innings. Dew can make gripping the ball difficult for spinners and fast bowlers alike which gives the chasing team a distinct advantage. With this in mind, the captain winning the toss is likely to opt for bowling first.
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3. Mohammed Shami
If there's one bowler who can tear through a batting lineup in Dubai, it's Mohammed Shami. The seasoned pacer was at his absolute best in India’s opening clash against Bangladesh, ripping through the opposition with figures of 5/53 in 10 overs.
His ability to move the ball both ways at high speeds makes him a nightmare for batters and with the Dubai pitch offering early seam movement, he could be in for another sensational spell. Shami’s experience in high-pressure games is invaluable.
Against a struggling Pakistan lineup, who looked shaky against New Zealand’s seamers, Shami could run riot once again. If Pakistan's top order doesn’t hold firm, Shami has the skill to completely dismantle them, making him a perfect captain or vice-captain pick for fantasy teams.
2. Salman Agha
Pakistan might have had a tough start to the tournament, but one player who has been consistently delivering with the bat is Salman Agha. The middle-order batter showed his aggressive intent against New Zealand, smashing 42 off just 28 balls, even as the rest of the lineup faltered. His ability to counter-attack against both pace and spin makes him a vital cog in Pakistan’s batting order.
In his last 10 matches, Salman has notched 458 runs at an excellent average of 57.25 and a strike rate of 104.8. This proves that he isn’t just holding the innings together but also scoring at a brisk pace.
With Pakistan needing to bounce back in a do-or-die game, expect Salman to play an important role. His form and aggressive approach make him a strong captain or vice-captain option for fantasy players banking on a Pakistan resurgence.
1. Shubman Gill
There are few batters in world cricket right now as consistent as Shubman Gill in ODIs. The young opener has been in sensational form, and his century against Bangladesh was proof of his class and temperament. India’s batting revolves around strong starts, and Gill has been delivering those with finesse.
In his last seven ODIs, Gill has piled up 417 runs at an average of 69.5, striking at 88.34. His technique against both pace and spin is solid and once he gets set, he is near impossible to stop. With Pakistan’s bowling looking far from threatening, Gill has the perfect opportunity to guide India to yet another famous win.
His ability to rotate strike, punish loose deliveries, and accelerate when needed makes him a safe and reliable captain choice. If India bats first, expect him to go big. If they chase, he could be the steady presence that takes them home with ease.
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