ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Sanjay Manjrekar boldly declares India vs Pakistan match winner

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar took a cheeky dig at Pakistan before their next match against India in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Sanjay Manjrekar stated that Pakistan is nowhere near India's league, adding that the Men in Blue have dominated them throughout recent times.

The highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23. India secured a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh, whereas Pakistan, who are in a must-win situation to stay in contention, suffered a heavy defeat against New Zealand.

Pakistan Is Nowhere Near India's League - Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar did not want to compare the two arch-rivals, stating that Pakistan are not in the same league as India. He pointed out that India have consistently dominated Pakistan in recent encounters.

"Pakistan is nowhere near to India's league. India have dominated them right throughout in recent times, and this time, Pakistan look even weaker, but that hasn't done anything to take the shine off the battle," Manjrekar said in Hindi commentary during Afghanistan vs South Africa match when asked to pick between India vs Pakistan and England vs Australia rivalry as quoted by Hindustan Times.

"Quality-wise, the England vs Australia match will be slightly better but if you ask any Indian and Pakistani fan they would say Sunday's match. The fever is there," he added.

Pakistan's Last ODI Win Against India Came in 2017 Champions Trophy Final

Pakistan last defeated India in an ODI during the 2017 Champions Trophy final. Since then, the two teams have faced off six times in Asia Cups and World Cups, with India winning five, while one match ended in a rain washout in 2023. This is the Indian team’s longest unbeaten streak against Pakistan in ODIs.

Since 2011, India and Pakistan have played 15 ODIs. India won 10 and Pakistan secured just four victories. However, Pakistan still leads the overall head-to-head record in ODIs with 73 wins compared to India’s 57. The gap might have been narrower if the two nations had continued playing bilateral series.

You Need Spinners to Succeed in These Conditions - Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar said that Pakistan's bowling attack lacks the ideal combination to challenge India’s strong batting lineup in Dubai. He pointed out that Pakistan have only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, and they rely on part-timers like Salman Agha or Khushdil Shah.

"You need spinners to succeed in these conditions and Pakistan only have one specialist spinner in Abrar Ahmed. They will bowl Salman Agha or Khushdil Shah but that won't be enough to trouble the Indian batters. Pace won't be able to have much of an impact," he said.

A major concern for Pakistan ahead of their clash against India is the absence of a second spinner. With spin-friendly conditions in Dubai, India holds a clear advantage with their strong spin attack.

Pakistan must win both of their remaining matches to stay in contention for the knockout stage. Meanwhile, a victory for Rohit Sharma’s side in the upcoming match will confirm India's spot in the semifinals.

Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB demands written explanation over logo controversy in IND vs BAN match