Harbhajan Singh Takes a Dig at Babar Azam, Predicts One-Sided India Win Over Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025 – But Are the Stats Against Him?

With the India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just days away, Harbhajan Singh has ignited controversy with his bold prediction, stating that India will dominate Pakistan in a one-sided affair. The former Indian off-spinner not only downplayed Pakistan’s chances, but also took a direct dig at Babar Azam, questioning his underwhelming record against India.

However, while Harbhajan believes the match is a foregone conclusion, the historical stats of the Champions Trophy tell a different story—Pakistan has a better record than India in the tournament. So, is Harbhajan’s prediction based on current form, or is he underestimating Pakistan’s legacy in the Champions Trophy?

Harbhajan Singh Slams Babar Azam’s Record Against India

Harbhajan Singh dismissed the hype surrounding the India-Pakistan encounter, claiming that the Men in Blue are far superior and that Pakistan lacks the firepower to compete. He specifically targeted Babar Azam, stating that his numbers don’t match the expectations of a world-class batter.

“India vs Pakistan? This match is overhyped. There is nothing in it. Their best batter is Babar Azam, but his average against India is just 31. If you are a world-class player, you should be averaging at least 50.”

This statement is bound to fuel debate, as Babar is often compared to Virat Kohli. However, in India vs Pakistan encounters, Kohli has delivered match-winning performances, whereas Babar’s record remains modest.

Fakhar Zaman: Pakistan’s Only Real Hope?

While Harbhajan criticized most of Pakistan’s batting lineup, he acknowledged one player who could be a game-changer—Fakhar Zaman. The 34-year-old left-hander, best remembered for his heroic century in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, remains Pakistan’s most dangerous batter against India.

“Fakhar Zaman is Pakistan’s only full-time opener, and his average against India is 46. That’s a good record. Fakhar can take the game away from India if he gets going.”

Fakhar’s aggressive batting style, especially against India’s pacers, could be a key factor in deciding the outcome of the match. Unlike Babar and Rizwan, Fakhar thrives under pressure and has proven his ability to dismantle India’s bowling attack.

Pakistan’s Batting: A Weak Link or Underrated?

Harbhajan didn’t hold back when assessing the rest of Pakistan’s batting lineup, calling it too fragile to challenge India.

• Mohammad Rizwan – “I like him as a player, but his average against India is just 25.”
• Faheem Ashraf – “Averages 12.5 against India. I don’t think he will be a big threat.”
• Saud Shakeel – “Averages just 8. Looking at this lineup, I don’t see Pakistan even putting up a fight.”

With Pakistan struggling in recent games, including back-to-back losses to New Zealand, Harbhajan predicted that Pakistan would struggle in the tournament, starting from their opening game.

“Pakistan will struggle in their first match against New Zealand. They already lost to them in a tri-series at home. I think New Zealand will hammer them again.”

Harbhajan Predicts a One-Sided India Win – But Are the Stats Against Him?

Harbhajan boldly declared that India will thrash Pakistan, calling the match overhyped and predicting that it won’t even be close.

“India are way ahead at this stage. I think it will be a one-sided game. It’s an overhyped contest. The tickets are expensive, but I don’t think we will get much excitement watching this match.”

However, if past Champions Trophy encounters are considered, Pakistan has historically outperformed India in the tournament.

• Head-to-head in Champions Trophy:
  • Pakistan leads India with 3 wins to 2.
  • Pakistan defeated India in the 2004, 2009, and 2017 editions.
  • India’s only victories came in 2013 and 2017 (group stage).
• Pakistan won the last Champions Trophy meeting convincingly (2017 final, winning by 180 runs).

While India has dominated Pakistan in World Cups, the Champions Trophy has been a different story, with Pakistan historically having the upper hand.

Can Pakistan Prove Harbhajan Wrong?

Harbhajan’s prediction of a one-sided India win is based on recent form and squad strength, but Pakistan has a history of shocking India in ICC events.

• In 2017, Pakistan was written off, yet they humiliated India in the final.
• Fakhar Zaman, the player Harbhajan warned about, was the architect of that historic win.

With Pakistan seeking redemption and India riding high on recent form, the clash on February 23 is set to be an explosive encounter.

So, will Harbhajan’s prediction hold true, or will Pakistan once again rewrite history in the Champions Trophy? The world will be watching.