New Delhi: Cricket lovers are in for a treat Sunday as India takes on Pakistan in a Group A match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai international Stadium.
India and Pakistan have had contrasting starts to the tournament ahead of their second-round match. While Pakistan, one of the hosts of the tournament, lost by 60 runs to New Zealand, India began on a high note with a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh.
Given the tournament’s tight schedulling and limited opportunities, the match has become a must-win game for Pakistan to stay in contention. The team’s prospects have been further dented by the injury-induced absence of Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s talented left-handed opener and 2017 Champions Trophy final Man of the Match against India.
The 2017 final was the last time India and Pakistan clashed in the tournament, with India suffering a crushing 180-run defeat. Despite being the dominant side and perceived favourites, India will be seeking revenge for that humiliating loss.
India can, however, draw confidence from the recent dominance over Pakistan with the white ball. Most recently, the team beat its neighbour by six runs in their 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup encounter in the United States.
Having won four of the last five ODI matches against Pakistan, India holds the upper hand going into Sunday’s match. The fifth match ended with no result. Pakistan is yet to register a victory in this period.
However, a look at the overall head-to-head record in ODIs shows Pakistan has a better record. Both teams have played 135 ODIs against each other so far. Of these, Pakistan has won 73 with India winning 57.
In the UAE, Pakistan has had an edge in their head-to-head record against India, with 19 wins in 29 ODIs. India has managed only nine victories.
Pakistan also has a marginal lead in Champions Trophy history with a 3-2 head-to-head advantage.
However, India’s dominance has been clear in recent years. Since 2010, they have won 12 out of 17 ODIs against Pakistan, with only four losses and one no-result.
Despite their historically mixed record, India’s recent rise in quality is worth acknowledging. Specifically, they have a perfect 2-0 record at the Dubai International Stadium, the venue for Sunday’s match.
The record for most runs scored in India-Pakistan ODIs is held by none other than Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 2,526 runs in 69 matches, including five centuries and 16 half centuries. For Pakistan, Inzamam-ul-Haq holds the record with 2,403 runs in 67 ODIs against India, including four centuries and 12 half centuries.
Among bowlers, former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram leads the way with 60 wickets in 48 games, while former Indian leg spinner Anil Kumble holds the record with 54 wickets in 34 matches against Pakistan.
(Edited by Sudha V)