IND vs PAK: The India vs Pakistan contest on the upcoming Sunday is one of the most anticipated matches of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Even for the two teams, this remains the most anticipated match, whatever the future chances in the competition.
The hosts Pakistan started their campaign against a strong and inform New Zealand side, who faced a crushing defeat in the first game of the Champions Trophy. Pakistan not only lost the game by a huge 60-run margin. Despite some strong performances from Agha Salman and Khusdil Shah down the order.
However, en route to a bad win, Pakistan faced a huge blow for their remaining campaign. The Pakistanis had earlier mentioned that defeating India is what counts more to them than even defending the Champions Trophy title.
Pakistan’s most inform batter, Fakhar Zaman, who was later included in the team replacing the injured Saim Ayub, suffered a blow to his chest during the fielding innings of Pakistan against New Zealand.
In the batting front as well, Fakhar seemed to be in distress with his footwork, as neither could he go for quick singles or doubles, nor could he step out to hit the spinners for big hits over mid-wicket or the targeted straight boundary.
Fakhar Zaman, who went under scans after the match, was reported to not be fit to play the next match against India, and hence he might not be traveling to Dubai.
IND vs PAK: Imam-ul-Haq likely to replace Fakhar Zaman in Pakistan squad
The talented left-handed opener Imam-ul Haq was once one of the finest batsmen to have stepped in for Pakistan in recent times. Fakhar Zaman and Imam once played together for Pakistan, while the talented batter still holds the record for the third-fastest to 2500 runs in the ODI format.
Also, Imam brings alongside him immense experience in ICC events, as the batter was also a part of several teams in the ICC tournaments when the team last played and also won the competition.
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