{"id":243829,"date":"2025-02-21T13:59:23","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T13:59:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/21\/champions-trophy-ind-vs-pak-india-have-more-match-winners-than-pakistan-says-shahid-afridi-cricket-news-the-times-of-india\/"},"modified":"2025-02-21T13:59:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-21T13:59:24","slug":"champions-trophy-ind-vs-pak-india-have-more-match-winners-than-pakistan-says-shahid-afridi-cricket-news-the-times-of-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/21\/champions-trophy-ind-vs-pak-india-have-more-match-winners-than-pakistan-says-shahid-afridi-cricket-news-the-times-of-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Champions Trophy IND vs PAK: India have more match-winners than Pakistan, says Shahid Afridi | Cricket News – The Times of India"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (BCCI Photo)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

NEW DELHI: Both India and Pakistan have kicked off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaigns with contrasting starts. India began on a winning note, defeating Bangladesh by six wickets, while Pakistan stumbled to a disappointing 60-run loss against New Zealand in their opener. Now, all eyes turn to the highly anticipated showdown between the arch-rivals \u2014 India vs Pakistan \u2014 set for Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium.<\/p>\n

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Poll<\/p>\n

Who do you think will win the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in the sport\u2019s history. Both teams are part of Group A, alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand.<\/p>\n

Their last encounter was in the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York, where India edged out Pakistan in a thrilling low-scoring match, securing a six-run victory.
As anticipation builds for the blockbuster clash, former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi<\/a> has backed India as the favourites heading into the contest.
“If we talk about match-winners, I’d say that India has more match-winners compared to Pakistan. A match-winner is someone who knows how to win the game single-handedly. Right now, we don\u2019t have such players in Pakistan,” Afridi said on a special episode of JioHotstar\u2019s Greatest Rivalry Returns.<\/p>\n

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Mohammed Shami: ‘I just go for wickets; don’t care about the economy rate at all’<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

“India’s strength lies in its middle and lower order, which has been winning them matches. For a long time, we have been giving opportunities to players, but no one has stepped up consistently. Some have performed in a few games, but we don\u2019t have players who have sustained their performance for a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches. That\u2019s where we are a little weaker compared to India, which is very strong in this area. But the key to winning against India is collective performance\u2014whether it’s the batsmen, bowlers, or spinners\u2014everyone\u2019s contribution is crucial,” he said.
Pakistan also suffered a huge blow as their star batter Fakhar Zaman suffered the injury while fielding during Pakistan\u2019s tournament opener against New Zealand. He was ruled out of the tournament.<\/p>\n

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Mohammad Amir Exclusive: Champions Trophy hopes, India’s absence & retirement talk<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved Imam-ul-Haq as Fakhar\u2019s replacement in Pakistan\u2019s squad.
Afridi said skipper Mohammad Rizwan needs to set an example for others.
“As a captain, Rizwan has to set an example for others\u2014that is very important. He must perform in every game, and his attitude, body language, and leadership matter a lot. Being a captain comes with equal amounts of praise and criticism. His performance will be crucial, as he is the glue that holds the team together. He treats everyone equally, he is a fighter, and his energy on the field is infectious. I have seen him step up in big matches, and I am confident he will lead the team well,\u201d Afridi said.<\/div>\n