NEW DELHI: The cricket world will come to a standstill on March 23, a Super Sunday, as arch-rivals India and Pakistan lock horns at the Dubai International Stadium. The two teams are part of Group A in the ICC Champions Trophy, alongside New Zealand and Bangladesh. The tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, will be played across Pakistan and Dubai.
India will kick off their campaign in Dubai on February 20 against Bangladesh, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on February 23, before taking on New Zealand on March 2.
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Pakistan’s fast-bowling legend Waqar Younis has predicted a “fantastic game of cricket” on March 23.
The last time these two sides met was in the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York, India secured a thrilling six-run victory in a low-scoring contest.
“It is always going to be big. We all know how important this clash is. The entire world is anxiously waiting for the big day when the two teams face each other after a long time,” Waqar told TimesofIndia.com.
“In fact, we are all eagerly waiting. We will once again witness a fantastic game of cricket on March 23. It is going to be a full house. We can’t wait,” he said.
Waqar, who played 87 Tests and 262 ODIs for Pakistan and claimed more than 750 international wickets, also said the Men in Blue will miss Jasprit Bumrah in the mega event.
“He is a world-class bowler—very quick, very aggressive, and very smart. It is difficult for any batter to handle him. India never wanted to miss him,” Waqar said.
Bumrah was ruled out of the Champions Trophy because he is currently on the road to recovery from an injury he suffered in Australia during the fifth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
On being asked about the Pakistan’s title chances, Waqar said: “They are on the right track. I hope everyone stays fit and injury-free. The cricket schedule is packed these days, so injuries are a major concern. There are teams challenging for this Champions Trophy, and it is going to be a big and exciting tournament”.
