‘Pakistan must be at their absolute best to beat India’

Australia’s World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting has weighed in on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash between Pakistan and India, offering advice to the defending champions ahead of their must-win encounter in Dubai on Sunday.

Pakistan’s campaign got off to a disastrous start with a crushing 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the tournament opener in Karachi.

With zero points on the board, Mohammad Rizwan and his team must now beat India to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Meanwhile, India head into this game full of confidence after easing past Bangladesh in their opening match.

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Assessing both teams’ recent performances, Ponting admitted that Pakistan face an uphill battle against their arch-rivals but reminded everyone of their trademark unpredictability.

“It’s going to be hard for Pakistan now,” Ponting said. “We spoke only a few days ago, and my prediction was that Pakistan would beat New Zealand quite comfortably.”

“But Fakhar’s injury didn’t help, and they were chasing a big total after some great batting from New Zealand. To post 320 was always going to be a tough ask.”

However, the legendary Australian batter refused to count Pakistan out entirely.

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“With Pakistan, we say it before every tournament – they’re unpredictable. You never quite know what they’re going to do,” he added.

Ricky Ponting stressed that Pakistan can still make a comeback but will have to bring their absolute best to the field against a well-settled Indian side.

“On their day, they’re as capable as anyone. But now, after losing to New Zealand, they’ll need to be at their absolute best to beat India,” he remarked.

“India’s off to a great start, Pakistan not so much. And with Fakhar’s injury, it’s going to be tough for them to bounce back—but they can.”

READ: Champions Trophy on the line—Can Pakistan stun India to survive?