Mohammad Shami bowled the opening overs for India, challenging Imam-ul-Haq with short deliveries and sharp angles, along with a few wide balls.
Shami conceded five extras in the form of wides. Imam, along with Babar Azam, seemed to be taking a cautious approach at the crease.
Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bat first in their must-win Champions Trophy blockbuster match against rivals India.
Rizwan’s side must be under pressure after a comprehensive defeat to New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi.
India, on the other hand, started their campaign with a dominant victory over Bangladesh in Dubai, making today’s contest a must-win for Pakistan to stay in contention for the knockout stage.
Pakistan receive a boost with the return of Imam-ul-Haq, who replaces the injured Fakhar Zaman at the top of the order.
However, concerns remain over their death bowling, which was heavily criticised in the New Zealand game. The pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf will need to be at their best against India’s powerful batting lineup.
India are without their star pacer Jaspit Bumrah, but Mohammad Shami has stepped up in his absence, claiming the tournament’s first five-wicket haul in the win over Bangladesh. His form will be crucial as Rohit Sharma’s side look to maintain their winning momentum.
Head-to-head:
Historically, Pakistan hold the upper hand in ODI encounters between the two teams, winning 73 out of 135 matches, while India have secured 57 victories, with five ending in no result. In Champions Trophy history, Pakistan lead 3-2 in head-to-head clashes, including their memorable triumph in the 2017 final, where they outclassed India to claim the title.
Playing XI:
Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Rizwan (c/wk), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir. Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gull, Virat Kohli, Shreyar Iyer, Axar Patel, Kl Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav
