The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match at the Champions Trophy 2025 took place on Sunday, February 23, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

In an unusual incident during the 21st over, Rizwan and India’s Harshit Rana collided in the middle of the pitch. Harshit, who was bowling his second spell, was hit by a shoulder barge from Rizwan after the Pakistan captain pulled a shot to deep square leg. The collision left Harshit visibly frustrated as he raised his arms in disbelief at Rizwan’s actions.

Pakistan made one change to their lineup from the previous match, with Imam-ul-Haq replacing the injured Fakhar Zaman. Rizwan addressed the toss, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to set a strong target: “Every match is important in ICC events. The boys are familiar with these conditions, and we want to do our best today,” he said.

Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi heated moment

In a similar clash in 2007, former India opener Gautam Gambhir and Pakistan batter Shahid Afridi were also seen facing off each other on the field. The two were reprimanded for violating the ICC Code of Conduct after a heated clash during an ODI match between India and Pakistan in Kanpur. Afridi had confronted Gambhir during the 2007 Asia Cup when Gambhir ran into him while completing his single. The umpires had to intervene.

India, coming off a win against Bangladesh, stuck with the same playing XI. Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, acknowledged the slower surface and emphasized the need for an all-round performance: “We have an experienced unit in batting, and we know what to do if the pitch slows down,” he said at the toss.

Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bat first. The Men in Green got off to a solid start, with Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq contributing to a 43-run opening stand before a quick collapse.