India is set to face their long-standing rivals, Pakistan, in the forthcoming Champions Trophy 2025 match scheduled for Sunday in Dubai. Due to ongoing political tensions, the host nation will not be playing any of their matches in Pakistan, opting instead for Dubai as the venue. Rohit Sharma and his team commenced their tournament with a victory over Bangladesh and aim to continue their successful streak.

Conversely, Pakistan finds itself in a precarious situation after suffering a defeat in their opening match against New Zealand. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the team currently occupies the last position in Group A and is at risk of elimination. A loss on Sunday, coupled with a New Zealand victory over Bangladesh, would confirm their exit from the tournament. However, a win against India would provide them with a glimmer of hope.

Additionally, the outcome of Pakistan's final match against Bangladesh remains uncertain. Scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi on February 27, the latest weather forecasts indicate a likelihood of rain during that period. Accuweather predicts rain in Rawalpindi from February 25 to March 1, with an 84 percent chance of precipitation and 96 percent cloud cover on the day of the match. Should the rain materialize, the game could be abandoned without a result.

To avert such a scenario, it is imperative for Pakistan to secure a victory against India on Sunday. They will be facing a formidable opponent, who previously lost to them in the 2017 final.

In anticipation of the match, Aaqib Javed, a former player for Pakistan, remarked, “What is an India-Pakistan game without pressure? That is actually the beauty of it. You play 10 games and win all, and there will still be pressure on the 11th game.”

On the other hand, Indian opener Shubman Gill expressed, “I don't believe that over-hype or under-hype is a thing. India-Pakistan has a long history. It's an exciting contest when both these teams play. Everyone enjoys watching it. If so many people are happy to watch the match, then who are we to say that it is underhyped or overhyped? We go there to play cricket. Our effort is to play for the team I am playing for, to represent my country, and to win with all my heart.”

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