Pakistan is facing significant challenges and is at risk of an early exit from the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. As the tournament hosts, they commenced their campaign with a loss to New Zealand and currently sit at the bottom of Group A due to their net run rate.

In their next match, they will compete against their long-standing rivals, India, in Dubai, and a victory is crucial for reviving their tournament hopes. In contrast, Rohit Sharma and his team started their campaign with a convincing win against Bangladesh.

Compounding their difficulties, Pakistan has lost Fakhar Zaman, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to injury. Imam-ul-Haq has been named as his replacement and is anticipated to open the batting alongside Babar Azam. Although Azam scored a half-century against New Zealand, he faced criticism for his slow scoring rate, accumulating 64 runs off 90 balls while Pakistan was chasing a target of 321. At the time of his dismissal, the team was struggling at 153/6 in 34 overs.

Saud Shakeel, who managed only six runs off 19 balls as an opener, is expected to move to the number three position, followed by captain Mohammad Rizwan, who will also serve as the wicketkeeper. Rizwan's performance against New Zealand was disappointing, as he was out for just three runs off 14 balls.

Salman Agha, who contributed a brisk 42 runs off 28 balls, will bat at number five, with Tayyab Tahir slated for the number six spot. Khusdil Shah is likely to retain his position at number seven after scoring 69 runs off 49 balls in the opening match. The tailenders will include Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy likely XI vs India:

Openers: Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam

Middle order: Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (C, WK), Tayyab Tahir

All-rounders: Khusdil Shah, Salman Agha

Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

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