Pakistan coach Aqib Javed on Saturday said his fast bowlers were “match-winners” and would pull out something special against arch-rivals India in their pivotal Champions Trophy clash.
Hosts and defending champions Pakistan need to win the blockbuster showdown with India on Sunday in Dubai to keep their chances of making the semi-finals in their own hands.
Pakistan lost the opening match of the 50-over tournament to New Zealand and are bottom of Group A. India beat Bangladesh in their first match.
In their combined 30 overs, Pakistani fast bowlers Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi gave up 214 runs to New Zealand’s 320-run total.
But according to Aqib, the three will be able to handle the situation. “With Shaheen, Naseem, and Haris, we have three experts and, in my opinion, one of the best pace bowling options in today’s game,” Aqib said to reporters.
The former seam bowler claimed that the present attack makes him think of the 1990s, when the legendary Imran Khan retired and Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Aqib took over.
“They have the capacity to replicate those kinds of performances, but they still have time to get to that level,” Aqib stated. “I think they will bring something special tomorrow, and it’s a special feeling to play against India.”
“Our fast bowling options are good and they are match-winners,” he continued.
Due to political concerns, the two hostile countries have suspended their bilateral cricket ties and only face each other in multi-nation competitions.
India will play all of their matches at the Dubai International Stadium, which is anticipated to be packed for the high-profile event, after declining to tour Pakistan for this eight-nation competition.
Aqib claims that pressure creates champions, and Pakistan, who crushed India in the most recent Champions Trophy final in 2017, has flown in from Karachi for their crucial match.
“You can’t play any game without pressure,” Aqib stated. It makes no difference whether it’s a knockout or whatever between India and Pakistan. It goes beyond the game.
Looking at the bright side, it’s the finest time and opportunity for any individual or team to leave their mark, according to Aqib. A player needs pressure and passion to perform at his best.
The semi-finals are reached by the top two teams in each of the two groups.
When the adversaries last faced off, India won by seven wickets in a one-day match at the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad.
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