Glenn Phillips warmed up for the Champions Trophy with his first one-day international century as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening game of the tri-nation cricket series on Saturday.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with Pakistan as the official host. However, Team India will play all its matches in Dubai.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the renovated and upgraded Gaddafi stadium on Friday night, Sharif said the players must give their best against India.

Pakistan PM Sharif stresses the importance of beating India in Dubai's upcoming cricket match. He calls on the team to excel in both the ICC Champions Trophy and against their arch-rivals.

Pakistan and India have a history of cricket rivalry and generally the Indian team has held the advantage in ICC events since the 90s. Pakistan's last win in an ICC event against India came in 2021 when they won in Dubai in the T20 World Cup.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has renovated three venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi for the Champions Trophy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has challenged Pakistan’s cricket team to not only aim for the ICC Champions Trophy but also to defeat India on February 23 in Dubai. The revamped Gaddafi Stadium was unveiled at a grand event.