Pakistan rugby coach Aaqib Javed asserts that his quick bowlers are “match-winners” and will unleash their prowess against long-standing rivals India in an essential Champions Trophy encounter on Sunday.
Home and defending champions Pakistan must triumph in their much-anticipated skirmish with India in Dubai to retain their prospects of reaching the semi-finals under their own steam.
Pakistan stumbled in the opening game of the 50-over series to New Zealand and currently languishes at the base of Group A. India emerged victorious against Bangladesh in their first fixture.
Pakistan’s pacers, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, collectively released 214 runs in 30 overs to New Zealand’s total of 320. However, Aaqib maintains that the trio will prove their worth. “We have three specialists and I’d say one of the finest fast bowling ensembles today, with Shaheen, Naseem, and Haris,” Aaqib told reporters on Saturday.
He echoed that the current lineup mimics the style and dangers of the 1990s Pakistan attack, characterized by the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Aaqib, who stepped up after the retirement of the legendary Imran Khan.
“They still have the room to reach that level, but they possess all the skill to replicate those kinds of performances,” said Aaqib. “There’s a unique vibe when you face India and I believe they will showcase something extraordinary tomorrow.”
He added, “Our fast bowling arsenal is potent and can turn games around.”
A bilateral cricket relationship remains frozen between the two nations amidst political strife, leading India to play all their fixtures, including the highly anticipated game against Pakistan, at the Dubai International Stadium, which is expected to be brimming with fans. India, who trounced Pakistan in the final Champions Trophy contest in 2017, have traveled from Karachi for this critical win, and Aaqib asserts that pressure is essential in forging champions.
India vice-captain Shubman Gill stated that despite the intense anticipation for the match, the team approaches it as any other game. Gill, who spearheaded India’s victory against Bangladesh and tallied a century in the process, said, “It doesn’t change anything for us: we play every game to win, and this one’s no different.”
He acknowledged the excitement among fans when India and Pakistan face off, which often leads to empty streets in the two countries. “We enjoy playing in these contests, especially when it brings happiness to so many people,” Gill added.
India defeated Pakistan in their last one-day match at the 2023 World Cup. A win for India would put them within striking distance of the semi-finals, while Pakistan plays in hopes of survival in the competition. New Zealand leads Group A, followed by India on the basis of a superior run-rate. Pakistan remains at the bottom of the standings. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.
When quizzed further on the magnitude of the upcoming game, Gill downplayed it slightly, emphasizing that the ultimate significant match would be the final. “We’ve been playing decent ODI cricket,” he noted. Despite some inconsistent performances, Gill remains wary of Pakistan’s abilities. “Pakistan might have lost a few games recently, but we’re not taking them lightly; they have a formidable side,” he said.
Gill, who has been in exemplary form in 50-over cricket, played a pivotal role in India’s recent 3-0 sweep of England. He has also struck consecutive ODI centuries. However, backup wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant sat out practice ahead of the Pakistan tie due to “viral fever.”
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/2/22/icc-champions-trophy-2025-pakistan-and-india-prepare-blockbuster-showdown?traffic_source=rss
