New Delhi: Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi believes that India are clear favourites to win the Champions Trophy 2025 clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. Afridi, who was speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Greatest Rivalry Returns’ episode, said that India clearly emerges as the stronger side given that the team has more match-winners compared to the Men in Green.
The former Pakistan player said that the best way to cut down India’s advantage in the upcoming clash would be to put in a collective effort from the Pakistani side. Pakistan face a must-win situation when they take on the Rohit Sharma-led side on Sunday in Dubai after facing a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening match of the event.
India confident after resounding win vs Bangladesh
Team India would be high on confidence after they registered a resounding victory over Bangladesh in their opening match on the marquee event. Going into the high-octane clash would be a bit easy for the Indians while performing in the high-voltage contest will take a lot of nerves. Afridi further said that if we talk about match-winners, India has more of them in the side as compared to Pakistan.
Further speaking on the issue that the Men in Green are facing, the flamboyant player said that right now there are no match-winners in the Pakistan side. The former Pakistan cricketer praised India’s middle and lower order saying that they have played vital roles in the team’s victory in the recent time.
‘Some have performed in a few games, but we don’t have players who have sustained their performance for a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches. That’s where we are a little weaker compared to India, which is very strong in this area.’
Afridi said every player in Pakistan side will have to give his best in order to overcome the arch-rivals.
(With PTI inputs)
India face arch-rivals Pakistan in their next match of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday. India won their opening game while Pakistan faced a defeat against New Zealand. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
