As India and Pakistan gear up for their highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash in Dubai on Sunday, former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has weighed in on the key factors that could determine the outcome of the high-stakes encounter. With Pakistan under immense pressure following their 60-run defeat to New Zealand, the match has become a must-win for them.
Speaking on a special episode of JioHotstar, Inzamam emphasized the importance of team balance, stating that the side with better all-round depth would have the advantage in such a high-pressure contest.
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“There is always pressure. When you play just one match a year, that pressure is amplified. Nowadays, with so much cricket being broadcast, players watch each other closely. Earlier, we approached it as a team game; whichever team had the better balance had the upper hand,” he said.
Inzamam acknowledged that India has had a more consistent and well-rounded squad in recent years, particularly due to their strong all-rounders. He believes that players like Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya bring a crucial edge to the Indian team, especially in subcontinent conditions where their ability to contribute with both bat and ball can be a game-changer.
“India has had a strong team in recent years, especially with all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya providing balance in the lower order. In subcontinent conditions, having such players makes a huge difference. Even now, the team with better balance will have the edge,” he added.
The India-Pakistan rivalry is known for its intense battles, electric atmosphere, and moments of brilliance that stay etched in cricket history. Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi also reflected on his experiences of playing in these high-voltage matches, calling them a golden opportunity for any cricketer, especially young players looking to make their mark.
“For a cricketer, an India-Pakistan match is a golden opportunity, especially for youngsters. It was always my dream. Before a match, I couldn’t sleep at night—I would think about my performance and how I couldn’t afford to miss this chance. Even if I hadn’t performed in the last five or six matches, if I did well in an India-Pakistan game, everything would be forgiven. That’s how big this rivalry is,” Afridi recalled.
With both teams bracing for a high-stakes showdown, the match is expected to be a thrilling contest filled with intense moments. While Pakistan will be looking to bounce back and keep their campaign alive, India will aim to maintain their dominance and secure a crucial victory. The pressure, the expectations, and the history make this fixture one of the most awaited matches in the tournament.
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