The most recent occasion on which Pakistan triumphed over India in an ODI was during the Champions Trophy final in 2017. Since that event, the two teams have faced each other six times in either the Asia Cups or the World Cups, with India emerging victorious in five of those encounters, while one match in Palekelle in 2023 was abandoned due to rain. This marks India's longest unbeaten streak against Pakistan in 50-over cricket. From the beginning of 2011, India and Pakistan have contested 15 ODIs, with India winning 10 and Pakistan securing only four victories. This illustrates the significant imbalance in their recent contests. Although Pakistan leads the overall head-to-head record in ODIs with 73 wins to India's 57, the margin would likely have been narrower, if not eliminated, had the two nations engaged in bilateral series as they did in the past.

On paper, India appears to have a considerable advantage in player comparisons, reminiscent of Pakistan's dominance in the 1980s and 1990s. The current dynamics have shifted so significantly in favor of India that a victory for Pakistan would be regarded as an upset. Nevertheless, statistics, form, and other technical aspects of cricket often become secondary when these two teams meet, as there are factors beyond the sport that contribute to the rivalry. This topic will be deliberately set aside.

Focusing solely on cricket, the atmosphere remains charged ahead of the India vs Pakistan match in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. The stage is prepared, anticipation is mounting, and tension is palpable. However, if one momentarily disregards the surrounding drama, the disparity between the two teams becomes evident.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar underscored this point when fellow commentator Deep Dasgupta inquired about the standards of the rivalry. Manjrekar remarked, "Pakistan is nowhere near India's league. India has consistently dominated them in recent times, and this time, Pakistan appears even weaker, yet that has not diminished the intensity of the contest," during Hindi commentary while discussing the India-Pakistan rivalry in comparison to the Australia-England rivalry during the Afghanistan vs South Africa Group B match.

'Pakistan don't have spinners to trouble India'

The match between England and Australia may be of slightly higher quality; however, any fan from India or Pakistan would undoubtedly favour the match on Sunday. The excitement surrounding it is palpable, he remarked.

Elaborating on his perspective, Manjrekar noted that Pakistan lacks the optimal bowling combination to challenge a formidable Indian batting lineup in Dubai.

"In these conditions, spinners are essential for success, yet Pakistan has only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed. They may resort to using Salman Agha or Khushdil Shah, but that will not suffice to pose a significant threat to the Indian batsmen. Pace bowlers are unlikely to make a substantial impact," he explained.

The upcoming match is crucial for Pakistan, as they suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening game, while India secured a comfortable victory over Bangladesh by six wickets.

Read Also: AUS vs ENG Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Match

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