Pakistan’s head coach Aaqib Javed made an interesting comment regarding the strengths of India and Pakistan ahead of the marquee India vs Pakistan clash at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The much-awaited IND vs PAK match of the ongoing Champions Trophy competition will be played on Sunday in Dubai. Both teams have opened their respective campaigns already but on opposite notes. Pakistan lost to New Zealand in Karachi by 60 runs before India beat Bangladesh in Dubai by six wickets.
Despite their failures in the tri-series final against New Zealand and also in the opening game of the Champions Trophy against the same opposition, the Pakistani pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf has got the backing of their head coach.
India vs Pakistan: Pak Coach Fires Shot At India
Javed also alluded to the fact that India have brought in five spinners in their squad, which is their strength, while the Men In Green will stick to their strength of fast bowlers.
“We have, like, a specialist three, I would say one of the best pace bowling options in today’s game with Shaheen (Afridi), Naseem (Shah), and Haris (Rauf),” said the Pakistan head coach on the eve of the India vs Pakistan clash in Dubai.
“It reminds me of the 90s. I have heard lots of options and discussions going on. Other teams have too many spinners, and we have lesser spin options. The teams play their game on their own strength. When you play against India, it’s a special feeling, and I think they will bring something very special tomorrow.
“As far as you are saying, India has a plan to play 3-4 spinners. That is their plan. We have to play our cricket on our own strength.”
A loss in the India vs Pakistan match would virtually put Mohammad Rizwan’s side out of the semi-final race—they would then need both India and Bangladesh to defeat New Zealand—while India will have almost sealed their semi-final spot.
Pakistan are set to make one change at least: Fakhar Zaman, who suffered an injury against New Zealand, is ruled out of the competition, and Imam-ul-Haq has been called in as his replacement. Either Imam or Usman Khan will play in the XI instead of Zaman. India are likely to stick with the same XI and combination that defeated Bangladesh on the dry and slow pitch in Dubai.
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