New Delhi: Following a successful opening match in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India achieved a decisive victory over Bangladesh in Dubai, the team is now looking to clinch a spot in the semifinals. They will face their long-time rival Pakistan in their second Group A match at the same location on Sunday. However, ahead of this highly anticipated encounter at the Dubai International Stadium, a former Indian cricketer has surprisingly expressed support for Pakistan to win the game.
As India approaches the match following a victory, Pakistan finds itself in a critical position after suffering a defeat in their tournament debut against New Zealand on Wednesday in Karachi. A further loss could significantly jeopardize the defending champions’ chances in the group stage of the Champions Trophy.
In addition to the support from their fellow countrymen, the team led by Mohammad Rizwan is also receiving encouragement from experienced Indian cricketer Atul Wassan, who hopes for an upset against India in Dubai. He expressed that his desire for a Pakistani victory stems from wanting to keep the competition alive in the Champions Trophy.
“I want Pakistan to win. Maza aayega (it will be fun, tournament-wise). If you don’t let Pakistan win, then what will you do? If Pakistan wins, then it becomes a contest. There should be an equal fight,” he told ANI.
The host country faced a major setback in their first match against New Zealand, losing by 60 runs. Their top batsman, Fakhar Zaman, suffered a muscle injury and has been excluded from the tournament. Zaman previously scored an impressive century in Pakistan’s last encounter with India during the Champions Trophy eight years ago, a performance that contributed to his team’s first title victory. Imam-ul-Haq has been appointed as Zaman’s replacement.
India’s last defeat to Pakistan in One Day International (ODI) cricket occurred in 2017. Since then, Rohit Sharma and his team have triumphed in five out of their last six encounters against their longstanding rivals, with one match being abandoned due to rain. The two teams last faced each other in an ODI during the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad, where India emerged victorious by seven wickets.
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