Cricket's fiercest rivals will lock horns in a battle today in Dubai that will prove pivotal to the pair's ICC Champions Trophy aspirations.

In the world of cricket, it doesn't get much bigger than this.

Dating back to 1952, India and Pakistan is a rivalry that's not only stood the test of time, but continues to grow and evolve. These South Asian nations find another gear when they meet.

Anticipation for this encounter has reached fever pitch, given their last 50-over encounter was way back in 2023 at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, where India claimed a seven-wicket win. The two sides also met at last year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where India prevailed by just six runs.

It's reached the point of desperation already for Pakistan, who simply need to win if they're any chance of progressing to the semi-finals in their home tournament.

HIGHLIGHTS

1.    In their overall ODI head-to-head record, India and Pakistan have clashed 135 times. Pakistan has won 73 matches, while India has secured 57 victories. Five matches have ended with no result.

2.    Since 2010, India have won 12 out of 17 ODIs against Pakistan. They are currently on a six-match unbeaten streak since 2018.

3.    In the Champions Trophy, Pakistan lead the head-to-head record with three wins to India's two.

4.    The last meeting in the Champions Trophy saw Pakistan defeat India by 180 runs, securing their first title.

5.    At Dubai International Stadium, India hold the edge over Pakistan with three wins in five encounters.

QUOTES

· "It's a 'final' for Pakistan. India are undoubtedly favourites. In my opinion, if Pakistan manage to beat India, it will be an upset because our cricket has gone down and is at an all-time low."

.........Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali.

· "I want Pakistan to win because it will be fun in the tournament. I hope Pakistan makes a comeback; it will be good for the tournament."

............Former India cricketer Atul Wassan.

· "We have beaten India twice here in Dubai. We will aim to make it three and repeat those performances. We are confident, and it will be a great match."

..............Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf ahead of team's training session on Saturday.

· "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."

..........Former India crickter Sanjay Manjrekar