Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign ended in disappointment after a one-sided defeat to India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This marked Pakistan’s sixth consecutive ODI loss to their arch-rivals, once again highlighting their frailties in the 50-over format. The match was less of a contest and more of a stark reminder of the gulf in quality between the two sides.
A Rivalry in Name Only
Losing to India is always frustrating, but what’s worse is that Pakistan can no longer even compete. The historic rivalry has lost its intensity, as recent results have been overwhelmingly one-sided.
A glance at their past six ODIs tells the story:
- India won by 8 wickets (2018)
- India won by 9 wickets (2018)
- India won by 89 runs (2019)
- India won by 228 runs (2023)
- India won by 7 wickets (2023)
- India won by 6 wickets (2025)
Pakistan’s inability to challenge India has taken away the excitement once associated with these clashes. The last truly competitive ODI between the two teams dates back to 2014. The political tensions might keep the rivalry alive, but on the field, it’s becoming more predictable with each encounter.
Why Did Pakistan Lose Again?
Did India produce some extraordinary cricket? The answer is no. They didn’t have to.
India simply played disciplined cricket. Their pacers bowled tight lines, their fielders held onto their catches, and their batters played sensibly. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s performance was sloppy and unorganized.
- Pakistani bowlers were wayward, failing to hit consistent lines.
- Fielders dropped four crucial catches.
- Batters gifted their wickets away instead of building partnerships.
Time and again, Pakistan struggles to replicate the basic, replicable skills that India executes effortlessly.
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Kohli, the Ultimate Nemesis
Virat Kohli once again delivered a masterclass in chasing, making it look routine. A generation of Pakistani fans has watched him dominate their team every few years.
If India is chasing, bet on Kohli to finish the job in style. His ODI average against Pakistan is remarkably consistent with his career numbers, proving he thrives in all conditions. No other player in history has impacted India-Pakistan ODIs more than him—not Imran Khan, not Wasim Akram, not anyone.
Kuldeep Yadav: Pakistan’s Silent Tormentor
While Kohli grabs the headlines, Kuldeep Yadav quietly dismantles Pakistan every time he bowls against them.
- ODI career bowling average: 26.24
- Bowling average against Pakistan: 14.0
That’s nearly twice as effective against Pakistan as he is against other teams. His three wickets for 40 runs in this match continued his dominance.
Once upon a time, Pakistani batters dominated spinners, but those days are long gone. Against Kuldeep, they look clueless.
What’s Next for Pakistan?
Pakistan now heads home, facing harsh criticism. The early Champions Trophy exit on home soil is a major embarrassment, and backlash is inevitable.
However, history suggests that instead of genuine introspection and reforms, we’ll see knee-jerk reactions and cosmetic changes. Unless Pakistan commits to long-term structural improvements, they’ll find themselves in this position again—outclassed, outplayed, and out of ideas.
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