New Delhi: Pakistan have thoroughly prepared to take on traditional foes India in what is a do-or-die ICC Champions Trophy clash in Dubai on Sunday, asserted Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Pakistan went down to New Zealand by 60 runs in the tournament opener on February 19 and must win against India to stay alive in the competition.
India defeated Afghanistan by six wickets in their opening match and would eye another win to book their place in the semi-finals.
They have lost their five games against India across formats but defeated them in the final to win the Champions Trophy in 2017, the last time the tournament was held.
Overall, the two teams have met five times in the Champions Trophy with Pakistan winning three of those matches. They are not only under pressure to win to avoid an early exit but the co-hosts are also hit by injury.
Their top opener Fakhar Zaman picked up a knee injury during their defeat to New Zealand in Karachi and was ruled out of the tournament, forcing the PCB to call-up Imam-ul-Haq s replacement.
‘Extend support’
Despite their poor start to the campaign that marked the return of major global tournament in Pakistan for the first time in 29 years, Naqvi said he believes the team is in form and will justify their potential on Sunday.
Naqvi paid a visit to the team’s training session and spoke to the players on the eve of the match and is expected to be in the stands during the match, having sold 30 VIP hospitality tickets allocated to him and his family by the ICC to raise around Rs 94 lakh for the PCB.
“Hope there will be a good match tomorrow. Definitely, our team is fully prepared. I think the team is in form. Whether they win or lose we are with them (the team),” Naqvi said on Saturday.
The high-voltage match was initially scheduled to be held in Lahore but India refused to travel to Pakistan citing security reasons, forcing the International Cricket Council to relocate the game to Dubai.
Asked to comment on the match shift, Naqvi said: “Please ask the Indians what they would have felt if the match happens in Lahore.”
Pakistan went down to New Zealand by 60 runs in the Champions Trophy opener on February 19 and must win against India on Sunday to stay alive in the competition. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
