Aaqib Javed, the coach of Pakistan, claims that his fast bowlers are “match-winners” and will do something special against India in their crucial Champions Trophy match on Sunday.
In order to maintain their position of dominance in the semifinals, hosts Pakistan and defending champions Pakistan must win the blockbuster showdown with India in Dubai.
Pakistan are bottom of Group A after defeating Bangladesh in their opening match of the 50-over competition against New Zealand.
In their 30 combined overs, Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf combined for a total of 214 runs.
However, Aaqib asserted that the trio would rise to the occasion. “We have three specialists and I would say one of the best pace bowling options in today’s game with Shaheen, Naseem and Haris”, Aaqib told reporters on Saturday.
The former seam bowler said the current attack evokes the 1990s, when Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Aaqib stepped up following Imran Khan’s death.
“They still have time to reach that level, but they have all the ability to repeat those sort of performances”, said Aaqib. “I believe they will bring something special to your game against India,” the player said.
He added, “Our fast bowling options are good and they are match-winners”.
Due to political unrest, the two rival countries’ bilateral cricket ties are shaky, and they only play one another in multination competitions.
India will play all of their matches at the Dubai International Stadium, which is anticipated to be full for the high-profile match, on their refusal to travel to Pakistan for this eight-nation tournament.
Aaqib claims that pressure produces champions in Pakistan, who defeated India in the previous Champions Trophy final in 2017 from Karachi.
“There is no game you play without pressure”, said Aaqib. “Between India and Pakistan, it doesn’t matter it’s a knock-out or whatever. It is beyond the game”.
Aaqib said, “If you look at the positive, it’s the best time and best chance for any individual or a team to make a mark. A player needs to demonstrate his game with passion and pressure.
Pakistan hype doesn’t change anything for India
India vice-captain Shubman Gill said the eagerly awaited match is a fan favourite, but for his team, it’s business as usual.
Gill, who scored an unbeaten 101 in India’s opening game against Bangladesh, said the team will work hard to maintain their winning streak.
“It doesn’t change anything for us honestly”, Gill said of taking on Pakistan.
We play every game to win, and this is true for all of us. We also practice this in every game. So we’ll also be preparing for this one in that manner.
Millions tune in to watch the match, which generates a sizable revenue for broadcasters, as TV ratings rise when the Asian giants clash on the field of play.
When the two teams play each other, India and Pakistan desert their streets, and Gill claimed he cannot deny the fans’ excitement.
“There is a long history of India-Pakistan and it’s a very exciting contest when both the teams play”, said Gill.
Everyone finds it entertaining to watch. Who should we call “under-hyped” or “over-hyped” if so many people are experiencing happiness while watching this game?
He added, “We go out to play cricket. We make every effort to win and represent our country.
The rivals last met in a one-day game at the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad, with hosts India winning by seven wickets.
While Pakistan is battling to survive the tournament, India is aware that a victory will send them into the semifinals.
With a better run-rate, New Zealand leads Group A ahead of India. Pakistan is the group’s fourth and last.
The semifinals feature the top two teams from each of the two groups.
When pressed further about the enormity of the game, Gill said: “It is a big match. However, I believe the team’s final game will undoubtedly be the biggest game. And definitely, we have been playing some good ODI cricket”.
Gill argued that despite some inconsistent play and poor results, Pakistan still has a dangerous side. “Pakistan, unfortunately, has lost some matches recently”, said Gill.
“But by no means, are we going to take them as a lesser side. They have a strong side, so it’s crucial for us to play our A-game tomorrow.
Gill has had his best 50-over season of his life, and he celebrated his second ODI century in a row on Thursday after being crucial in India’s recent 3-0 victory over England.
Source: Aljazeera
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