IND vs PAK: Pakistan’s Playing XI for Champions Trophy 2025 Match Against India

The ICC Champions Trophy tournament returned after eight years, the season opener is between the hosts, Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi. New Zealand outplayed the defending champions by 60 runs. If Pakistan loses this important match against India they will be out of the tournament. So, they are aiming to give tough competition against India. Pakistan will have a new opening pair for their crucial match against India. In their first game against New Zealand, Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam opened the innings.

However, Babar Azam is likely to be replaced by Imam-ul-Haq in the opening against India. With Fakhar Zaman ruled out of the tournament due to injury, Imam is expected to take his place at the top of the order.

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Pakistan's Predicted Playing XI

Imam-ul-Haq & Saud Shakeel (Openers) 

The 29-year-old left-handed batter Imam-ul-Haq was replaced by the injured Fakhar Zaman. Imam-ul-Haq has played 72 ODIs and scored 3801 runs with an average of 48.27, with nine centuries and 20 half-centuries. Saud Shakeel has shown promise in his limited chances. He has played only 15 ODIs and impressed the selectors by scoring 317 runs with his amazing batting. He has three half-centuries, and he adds stability to the middle order With this new opening pair, Pakistan will aim for a strong start against India in their high-stakes clash.

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (Top Order) 

.The star Babar Azam brings both stability and class with his batting. He scored 6,083 runs in 127 ODIs, including 19 centuries and 35 fifties, he an impressive average of 56. He played an important innings for Pakistan against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opening match, but New Zealand won the match.

The star wicketkeeper batter and captain of Pakistan Mohammad Rizwan is a reliable middle-order batter in the Pakistan batting lineup. He has scored 2,526 runs in 87 ODIs with an average of 42, with four centuries and 15 fifties. His excellent leadership skills and ability to handle pressure make him a key player.

Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir & Khushdil Shah (All-rounders)

The vice-captain and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha is the key player in the Pakistan squad. He strengthens both batting and bowling in the lineup. He has scored 957 runs in 34 ODIs, including one century and five fifties, while also taking 16 wickets, making him a valuable asset. The right-hand batter Tayyab Tahir is a powerful hitter despite having played only four ODIs. He can provide quick runs in the lower order when needed.

The 30-year-old left-handed all-rounder Khushdil Shah is another aggressive finisher, scoring 290 runs in 14 ODIs at an average of 32. He can also chip in with the ball he took 3 wickets in 14 ODIs, adding depth to both departments. His ability to hit big shots in the final overs makes him a key player.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah & Abrar Ahmed (Fast Bowlers)

The speed gun of Pakistan's bowling pace attack Shaheen Shah Afridi is a key player for Pakistan to take early wickets. He has 162 wickets in just 60 ODIs, with the ability to strike early and reverse swing later in the innings. Haris Rauf is known for his express pace and ability to bowl in death overs. With 85 wickets in 47 ODIs, he is one of Pakistan’s most reliable pacers.

The young and talented Naseem Shah has played only 24 ODIs, but his excellent bowling skills make him a key player for Pakistan. He has picked up 47 wickets so far and continues to develop into a key fast bowler. His accuracy and speed will be crucial.

The star mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed has been impressive with 14 wickets in just 8 ODI matches. His variations can trouble batters, especially in the middle overs. Having a quality spinner like him could be a big advantage, even though Pakistan might opt for a pace-heavy attack.

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI Against India

Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

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