Srinagar, Feb 23: As the highly anticipated showdown between India and Pakistan approaches in the Champions Trophy on Sunday in Dubai, cricket enthusiasts from Srinagar are buzzing with excitement, expressing that the superior team should emerge victorious.
India is gearing up to face off against their arch-rivals, Pakistan, in this crucial Champions Trophy match at the Dubai International Stadium. Both teams have a lot at stake; while Pakistan aims to defend their title, India hopes to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
“Both teams are excellent…We anticipate a thrilling match as both possess remarkable players. May the better team win…Cricket is immensely loved by the youth of Kashmir…” shared a cricket fan.
Another supporter of the Indian Cricket Team discussed the fierce rivalry that exists between the two nations and conveyed his eagerness for the match.
“We have been looking forward to this match. The India vs Pakistan face-off has always been a legendary rivalry…The better team will triumph…” remarked a fan.
The last encounter between India and Pakistan in a Champions Trophy was during the 2017 final when the Virat Kohli-led side faced a heavy defeat against the Green Brigade, getting bowled out for just 158 while chasing a target of 338 runs set by Pakistan, which was achieved thanks to a century from Fakhar Zaman.
The memories of avenging this painful defeat will linger in the minds of players and fans, who are eager to witness India dominating Pakistan, whether with bat or ball.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan dates back to 1952 and has not only endured but evolved over the years, with both teams finding an extra level when they collide.
Excitement for this match has surged, especially since their last 50-over match took place in 2023 during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where India won by seven wickets. Additionally, the two teams faced off in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup last year, with India claiming victory by a mere six runs.
Pakistan finds themselves in a dire situation, needing to win this match to have any hope of advancing to the semi-finals, following a crushing defeat by New Zealand in their opener. Their batting lineup seems less potent without the explosive opener Fakhar Zaman.
Squads:
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy. (Agencies)
