
Team India is set to play their 2025 Champions Trophy matches in the UAE due to security concerns, marking another missed opportunity to compete on Pakistani soil. The last time India played an international game in Pakistan was in the 2008 Asia Cup, a tournament filled with intense competition and memorable performances. Here’s a detailed look at that iconic match.
The 2008 Asia Cup Final: India vs. Sri Lanka
The final, held in Karachi, saw India and Sri Lanka battling for supremacy. India, captained by MS Dhoni, faced a crushing defeat, losing to Sri Lanka by 100 runs. The match was dominated by stunning individual performances, making it a historic contest.
Sri Lanka’s Stellar Batting Performance
India won the toss and opted to field, a decision that quickly turned against them. Sanath Jayasuriya, the legendary Sri Lankan opener, stole the show with a blistering century. His 125 runs off 114 balls, decorated with nine boundaries and five sixes, anchored Sri Lanka’s innings.
- Jayasuriya found a dependable partner in Tilakratne Dilshan, who contributed a crucial 56 runs.
- The pair added 131 runs for the fifth wicket, frustrating the Indian bowlers.
- Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Kulasekara chipped in with valuable lower-order runs, pushing the total to 273.
India’s bowling highlights included RP Singh and Ishant Sharma, who took three wickets each. Irfan Pathan claimed two scalps, while Virender Sehwag picked up one.
India’s Chase Derailed by Ajantha Mendis
India began their chase aggressively, thanks to a fiery knock from Virender Sehwag. His 60 off just 36 balls put India in a strong position at 76/1 within the first 10 overs. However, Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis turned the game on its head.
Mendis’ Magical Spell
The mystery spinner produced one of the greatest bowling performances in ODI history:
- Mendis dismissed Sehwag in his first over and struck again two balls later to send Yuvraj Singh back for a duck.
- He continued to bamboozle the Indian middle order, claiming the wickets of Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni.
- Mendis finished with astonishing figures of 6/13, decimating the Indian batting lineup.
India’s Struggles Against Spin
Despite a gritty 49 from MS Dhoni, India crumbled under the pressure of chasing a steep target. The Men in Blue were bundled out for 173, handing Sri Lanka a comfortable victory.
- Sanath Jayasuriya proved why he was one of the most feared batters of his era.
- Ajantha Mendis announced his arrival on the international stage with a career-defining performance.
- India’s inability to handle spin effectively highlighted a weakness that Sri Lanka exploited to perfection.
The 2025 Champions Trophy and India’s Continued Absence in Pakistan
Fast forward to 2025, political tensions and security concerns have once again prevented India from playing in Pakistan. The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be hosted in the UAE, with India grouped alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.
India’s Group Stage Matches
- February 20: India vs. Bangladesh at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
- February 23: The much-awaited India vs. Pakistan clash in Dubai.
- March 2: India vs. New Zealand.
If India reaches the final, it will also be held in the UAE. However, should they fail to qualify, Lahore will host the final on March 9.
The Legacy of India-Pakistan Cricket
India’s last match in Pakistan remains a bittersweet memory. While the 2008 Asia Cup Final showcased extraordinary talent, it also underscored the challenges of playing in high-pressure environments. As India prepares for the Champions Trophy in a neutral venue, fans hope for another thrilling encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND