New Delhi: India and Pakistan are set to get involved in another chapter of their blockbuster rivalry. And this time the two teams have much at the stake to look at as we are just few hours away from witnessing the two cricketing nations’ men’s teams contest at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Both teams had contrasting start to the Champions Trophy. While Pakistan lost the tournament opener to New Zealand by 60 runs, India defeated Bangladesh by six wickets. This means Pakistan will be under some kind of pressure to outsmart the hosts and keep their campaign alive.
The last time the two teams met in Champions Trophy was in the 2017 final when Pakistan thrashed the Men in Blue by 180 runs to lift the trophy. This will also be their first meet in the ODI match for the arch-rivals since the 2023 World Cup. Let’s discuss on the strengths and weaknesses of the two teams.
Strengths and Weaknesses
India have a batting depths, something which not many teams can boast about in this tournaments. The two-time champions play an aggressive brand of cricket led by captain Rohit Sharma in front. Rohit is known to provide a rollicking start to the team by attacking from the front.
India will also be buoyant by young opener Shubman Gill scoring successive centuries – his unbeaten 101* against Bangladesh was a match-winning moment. India’s bowling unit was considered to be one of the weakest points without the services of destructive pacer Jasprit Bumrah. However, Mohammed Shami has ensured that those concerns cannot be illustrated further with his fifer (5 for 53) restricted Bangladesh to 228. Shami will be key against Pakistan against their top-order in particular.
Pakistan have been hit by the unavailability of Fakhar Zaman after the player was ruled out of the tournament with an oblique injury. He was replaced by Imam-ul-Haq in the squad. Pakistan will bank on the form of Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha in the middle overs. The concern will be the sluggish knock of opener Babar Azam and skipper Mohammad Rizwan failing to deliver against New Zealand.
Even Indian batter Virat Kohli didn’t play an impactful knock and it will be a big time if he can step up to the occasion given his history to thrive under pressure against Pakistan. The Pakistan bowling attack collectively failed against the Black Caps with Haris Rauf going the most expensive, leaking 83 runs even though he picked two wickets.
Pakistan’s bowlers are known to have a great battle against the Indian batters as the matches of the two teams in the recent years has been a testament to this notion.
India and Pakistan face off in a crucial Champions Trophy match in Dubai. India, boosted by Shubman Gill’s century and Mohammed Shami’s five-wicket haul, possess batting depth and improved bowling. However, Pakistan’s bowling attack, though potent against India historically, needs to improve after a costly performance against New Zealand. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
