- Pakistan faces an essential match after the defeat of New Zealand.
- India dominates the rivalry, winning seven of the last eight ODI.
- High emotions, complete stadiums take place for the epic of Dubai.
Dubai buzzes with excitement while the most ferocious rivals of the cricket, Pakistan and India, are preparing for a force of strength with high stakes in the ICC champions trophy today (Sunday).
With fans passionate about the two nations ready to fill the Dubai Cricket Stadium, anticipation is at a top of all time among supporters at home and abroad for what promises to be an exciting competition.
Pakistan enters the match in a situation to do or die after an overwhelming defeat of 60 points against New Zealand in their tournament opening match. Their defense of the title is already in danger, and the men of the skipper Mohammad Rizwan will need a spectacular turnaround to maintain their campaign alive.
Adding to their misfortunes, the opener Fakhar Zaman was excluded due to an injury, while the Babar Azam pillar was criticized for his lack of intention despite fifty fifty in the last match.
To counter the strong strike unit of India, Pakistan will likely count on their rich heritage of rapid bowling alley. The trio of rhythm of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah will be essential in their attempt to restrict a formidable Indian range featuring Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Kl Rahul.
India, who refused to go to Pakistan for the champions trophy citing the government’s advice, play all their matches in Dubai. They launched their A group A campaign with a commanding victory for six counters against Bangladesh. Even without the rhythm of the lance of Jasprit Bumrah, Blue’s men looked dominant, with Mohammed Shami leading the attack on Bowling by claiming five counters.
The Indian shot unit, led by the in shape Shubman Gill, which marked a brilliant 101 against Bangladesh, seems well equipped to manage the Pakistani challenge. India has also dominated rivalry in recent years, winning seven of the last eight ODIs completed against Pakistan.
Their domination is well documented, but the unpredictability of Pakistan in major tournaments cannot be overlooked.
With high emotions and an expected packaged stadium, the shock promises to be simply electrifying. Despite all the pressure, the Pakistani nation remains a spanning for a striking performance of their team to turn the tables of India.
The president of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohin Naqvi, while addressing Dubai media, expressed his confidence in the team before the meeting with high issues. He assured fans that the team was fully prepared and predicted an exciting competition. Recognizing the ups and downs of the game, Naqvi remained optimistic, declaring: “Inshaallah, Pakistan will be victorious.”
He also stressed that a victory for the national team would be an important achievement for the country. Naqvi also sent a strong message of support to the players, assuring them that, winning or losing, the whole nation stands behind them.
Squad
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (C), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha (VC), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Kl Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Fhelik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Raviundi Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
