Pakistan to beat India? Yuvraj Singh drops bombshell prediction ahead of blockbuster CT 2025 clash

The legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh made some eyebrow-raising comments on the upcoming high-voltage India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday (February 23).

The former Indian all-rounder has stirred the debate by suggesting that Pakistan might have a slight advantage heading into the biggest showdown of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team in Dubai.

Yuvraj Singh claims Pakistan holds the edge over India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash

Yuvraj has pointed out that Pakistan’s familiarity with Dubai’s conditions, having played extensively there over the years, gives them an edge in adapting to the slow surface against India. He said that Pakistan’s experience in handling the conditions could prove crucial in a high-pressure encounter.

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Yuvraj Singh said on JioHotstar: “I actually think Pakistan has an advantage because they have a base in Dubai. They have played a lot of cricket there and understand the conditions well.”

However, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has backed India, as the Men in Blue have more match-winners in their ranks. The likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah have all delivered on the big stage before, and that makes India a strong favorite against Pakistan.

Even one Pakistani player can still take the game away from India: Yuvraj Singh

Well, the former World Cup acknowledged India’s firepower but pointed out that the India-Pakistan battle is not just about having more match-winners but about performing under pressure. He noted even if Pakistan doesn’t have many game-changers, a single player can still turn the match in their favor.

Yuvraj Singh further explained, “On slower wickets, Indian and Pakistani players are among the best, who have always played spin well. You talk about match-winners. Yes, I agree with Shahid Afridi that we have more match-winners. But I believe that even if Pakistan has fewer match-winners, one player can still take the game away.”

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Yuvraj Singh says India-Pakistan clash is about playing in the moment

He signed off by saying, “The India-Pakistan clash is not about match-winners alone; it’s about playing in the moment, adapting to the situation, and not letting expectations overwhelm you. The team that does this better will win the game for their country.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan had a disappointing start to their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign as they suffered a humiliating defeat of 60 runs against New Zealand in Karachi. With their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread, a loss against India in their next game could end their campaign on Sunday.

On the other hand, India has made a strong statement with a dominant six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their tournament opener in Dubai. Shubman Gill’s brilliant century and Mohammed Shami’s fiery five-wicket haul handed the Men in Blue a comfortable win over the Tigers.

Looking at the past India-Pakistan encounters in the UAE, Pakistan holds a clear advantage, having won 19 out of 28 ODIs against India. Even the Men in Green have a marginal lead in Champions Trophy history with a 3-2 head-to-head advantage against India.