Which side will win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 iconic clash between Pakistan and India on February 23 in Dubai?

[heddie19]

I have no problem with that lol

:/ I do. King Kohli still reigns supreme.

 

[Rana]

Pandya called Babar and Rizwan timid. Will they take revenge?

Rizwan can’t wait to give Pandya a Pappi for wholesomenesses

 

[charlie007]

@Mesozoic calls Saim a hack when he s scored runs against the attack your calling ATG as well as 2 centuries in 3 matches vs SA in SA.

Your quote: It’s perfectly alright to back your own guy, but argue with facts and reality not utter nonsense.

Now apply your logic.

@Mesozoic says based on his technique teams wont find a weakness.

That is laughable on every level.

Every player has strengths and weaknesses that get found out over time.

I wasn’t talking about Saim, I was talking about Jaiswal.

 

[ChennaiFan]

Rizwan can’t wait to give Pandya a Pappi for wholesomenesses

I am not sure if Rizwan as a batsman is a big threat to Pandya or not. But he is a good captain and he will plan well for Pandya.

 

[BouncerGuy]

India Pakistan game is the most anticipated game every time they face each other... Things are quite similar this time... India is coming of fresh defeats in the red ball format same as Pakistan but Pakistan has been doing a good job in ODIs.

I would still say that India has better chance to win the game because of their mentality. Pakistan team is mentally weak and they tend to under perform against India most of the times....

 

[FearlessRoar]

In a recent interview with the ICC, Hardik Pandya discussed how he turned the game around with the ball during India’s thrilling four-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022:

“When I entered the field and experienced the atmosphere and the energy that everyone was bringing in, it was amazing. Though I have played many games, it was just very overwhelming. I was very excited."

“It’s been a rivalry for years, one we have been having on the field. There is always so much emotion, engagement and excitement. It’s a clash that people wait for and remember for the same."

“I was a little excited in the first couple of overs with the bounce in the Australian pitches and gave away a couple boundaries."

“My plan was very simple, it was more about coming in to back myself and being smart about my deliveries."

"When I came for the second spell, it was obvious that we needed a wicket. So I was aggressive, I wanted to take wickets. That was my mindset."

“I think that’s the reason I was able to take the two wickets. My reaction after the wickets said it all, I was very satisfied."

 

[Cover Drive Six]

We are in a transition phase as our top batsmen, Rohit and Kohli, are in the final stage of their careers, but we can't underestimate them in the ODI format, especially against Pakistan. On top of that, Bumrah's injury concern is a big blow. However, I still believe India has a better chance of winning against Pakistan due to superior mental strength, which the current Pakistan team lacks on the big stage.

 

[emranabbas]

who keeps the gate money?

 

[ChennaiFan]

Mohammed Rizwan manages his bowling resources well. He is someone who doesn't seem to choke under pressure. If Pakistan bowls to their plans, they will win.

Many of the Indian batsmen are out of form and they can match or perform lower than their Pakistani counterparts. So, the key difference is going to be the bowling and how it is managed. I believe Pakistan has the edge in this match.

 

[FearlessRoar]

‘They’ll remind you if you lose’ – Not just any old game, says Shastri

India great Ravi Shastri knows exactly how big the rivalry is between his former side and Pakistan in international cricket and has provided his take on the comments made by current coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of the much-anticipated clash at the ICC Champions Trophy.

Gambhir recently said the importance of the Champions Trophy group stage fixture against Pakistan was the same as every other fixture at the event, with all games at the tournament of equal value.

Speaking to host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest edition of The ICC Review, Shastri stated that while he had spoken of the fixture in the same light back when he was head coach, there’s more to it.

“I was the coach for seven years. Whenever I was asked, I said the same thing (as Gambhir). But let me assure you, deep down, there's a lot more to that than you actually think, that's for the media,” Shastri said.

“You have to say it. But deep down, you want to win that. Because if you don't, you'll be reminded of it until the next time you play against Pakistan.

“People don't care what you have done in the past. They're not bothered about the last 10 games if you won eight or you won nine. But they'll remind you if you lose one, until the next time you play them.

“It can be a taxi driver, it could be anyone on the street. What happened to India? The same question to Pakistan. What happened to Pakistan? So it always plays on your mind, so whether you like it or not, it's a different game. Different beasts altogether.”

ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting doubled down on Shastri’s assessment, elaborating on how certain rivalries have more edge to them.

“No, there's more to it. There's more edge to these games. And we'll actually see it firsthand because the build up in the week leading up to those games will be different than it is to any other game that they play,” Ponting told The ICC Review.

“So when India plays New Zealand, then the build up for that game won't be anywhere near as it's going to be when India plays Pakistan.

“When Australia plays South Africa, it won't be quite as big as the build up when Australia plays England. That's just part of it all. The media gets behind it. But the rivalries, they are real.”

Ponting added that while the hype around certain fixtures does raise the stakes, the players are also keen on getting a win against certain sides.

“It's not a media build up. The players definitely want to beat certain teams and certain players more than others," Ponting noted.

“So if you're an Indian, you want to beat Pakistan more. If you're Pakistani, you want to beat India more. If you're an Australian, you want to beat England more and vice versa.

“You can say that it's another game but the player's heart rates at the start of those games are definitely a little bit higher than they are for any other game.”

India and Pakistan, slotted in Group A of the Champions Trophy, are set to face-off on February 23 in Dubai.

The two teams had previously locked horns at the venue in an ICC tournament in 2021, when Pakistan registered a mammoth 10-wicket win.

Shastri, however, believes that the throwback won’t be taking up much headspace for Indian players.

“No, that won't play on their mind because that was a T20 game. This is a 50-over clash. It's totally different," Shastri said.

“And it's a longer game which suits India more, because in T20 you can get upset. In 50-over cricket, if you've got experience and you've got depth in your batting and bowling departments and you know, it makes a massive, massive difference.

“And when you look at India and Pakistan man to man, India is a far better side and far more experienced as well.”

‘They’ll remind you if you lose’ – Not just any old game, says Shastri

India great Ravi Shastri knows exactly how big the rivalry is between his former side and Pakistan in international cricket and has provided his take on the comments made by current coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of the much-anticipated clash at the ICC Champions Trophy.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Shoaib Akhtar, during a media interaction in Dubai:

“I’m hopeful that Pakistan will defeat India on February 23. In fact, I believe that both Pakistan and India should also meet in the final of the tournament.”

“If Pakistan defeats India and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy, the Green Shirts will have already won half the tournament.”

 

[Fanboy375]

I don't have much expectation for this match.Since in 21st century tournaments Ind tend to dominate Pak.But if Pak wins than my hope for exciting pak ind rivalry will rise again

 

[RizwanT20Champ]

Shoaib Akhtar, during a media interaction in Dubai:

“I’m hopeful that Pakistan will defeat India on February 23. In fact, I believe that both Pakistan and India should also meet in the final of the tournament.”

“If Pakistan defeats India and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy, the Green Shirts will have already won half the tournament.”

Pak will dominate India in CT, this is not WC. We have always dominated India in CT apart from CT 2013. In CT 2004 and CT 2009, Pak humbled very strong Indian team with Sachin.

 

[heddie19]

Jaiswal hasn't Play a single odi but saim is superior lol

Both have played T20I and here are the records

Saim - 27 M, 498 runs ,21 Average and 137 strike rate .

Jaiswal - 23 M ,723 runs , 36 Average and 165 strike rate

How is saim better than jaiswal in T20 ?

There is no comparison in test cricket, jaiswal is way ahead than Tullebaaz Saim

Pakistan fan's and Their delusion has no limits

Ho gaya ODI debut?
Ho Gye tassali?

 

[Devadwal]

Ho gaya ODI debut?
Ho Gye tassali?

Ohhh no. . Jaiswal failed in 1st match so he is useless or saim is better than him . Lamo

What was saim debut odi score? 001 run. Wow

 

[Hitman]

Ho gaya ODI debut?
Ho Gye tassali?

LOL, Saim scored 1 run in his debut ODI match.

 

[heddie19]

Ohhh no. . Jaiswal failed in 1st match so he is useless or saim is better than him . Lamo

What was saim debut odi score? 001 run. Wow

LOL, Saim scored 1 run in his debut ODI match.

Saim Ayub is yet to play at home or even sub-continent conditions and he has 3 tons already. Mind the gap.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Looking at Rohit, Rahul, injured Kohli, semi fit Shami i must say Pakistan's chances have increased dramatically. THey have "world no.1" ranked batsman as well in the side. 3 explosive fast bowlers. One mystery spinner. Generational all rounder. Wicket Keeper from Mars.

 

[Devadwal]

Saim Ayub is yet to play at home or even sub-continent conditions and he has 3 tons already. Mind the gap.

Saim is yet to play against ful bowling strength.

Jaiswal need to play few matches .

In Next few years there will he no comparison because saim is tullebaaz so he is likely to be exposed just like in teat cricket

 

[Slim]

Pakistan needs to win this not just for themselves but for the sake of world cricket.

 

[BouncerGuy]

This is gonna be and epic encounter. Both teams are coming off after a strong performance in white ball format. I still think India has the upper hand here.

 

[Hitman]

Pakistan needs to win this not just for themselves but for the sake of world cricket.

How will world cricket benefit from Pakistan's win?

 

[pratiktc]

The only way Pak wins is for Shaheen and Naseem to have a golden day and blow India away with 3-4 wkts in first PP thus restricting to 220 or below.

Pak batting is completely unreliable in chase and anything over 240 they will find a way to make heavy weather even with dew support.

Batting first unless Fakhar gets a biggie, they will struggle to reach 275+

I would really like to see a close game of 275 plays 270. This rivalry needs ro be reignited through a competitive match

 

[Devadwal]

The only way Pak wins is for Shaheen and Naseem to have a golden day and blow India away with 3-4 wkts in first PP thus restricting to 220 or below.

Pak batting is completely unreliable in chase and anything over 240 they will find a way to make heavy weather even with dew support.

Batting first unless Fakhar gets a biggie, they will struggle to reach 275+

I would really like to see a close game of 275 plays 270. This rivalry needs ro be reignited through a competitive match

This time pakistan will win it with ease. Indian team have so Many passengers .

Bowling is rubbish without Bumrah .

India is playing against pathetic England team so they are not going to exposed before the champion trophy.

But in the champion trophy india is likely to lose both matches against Pakistan and NZ

 

[pratiktc]

who keeps the gate money?

It will likely go to ECB.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

This time pakistan will win it with ease. Indian team have so Many passengers .

Bowling is rubbish without Bumrah .

India is playing against pathetic England team so they are not going to exposed before the champion trophy.

But in the champion trophy india is likely to lose both matches against Pakistan and NZ

Same old tactics my friend, you can't fool PCT fans anymore .

 

[Vikram1989]

Looks both teams are equally pathetic. Pak by its players standard and India by its selection of players.

 

[heddie19]

Saim is yet to play against ful bowling strength.

Jaiswal need to play few matches .

In Next few years there will he no comparison because saim is tullebaaz so he is likely to be exposed just like in teat cricket

When an India fan says that Starc, Cummins, Rabada are not full strength

 

[jattafridi]

Feb 23 big match big defeat is coming
7 wickets or 138 runs victory for India
Player of the match vc or vk

king 0 balls 9

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

India are clear favorites against Pakistan. Additionally, India will have the advantage of playing all its matches at the same venue, while other teams will need to adapt quickly to different conditions.

 

[jnaveen1980]

pakistan has all the bases covered.

 

[Devadwal]

India are clear favorites against Pakistan. Additionally, India will have the advantage of playing all its matches at the same venue, while other teams will need to adapt quickly to different conditions.

Wasn't dubai home for pakistan cricket team atleast for a decade??

5-6 sessions of PSL was also played there?

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Wasn't dubai home for pakistan cricket team atleast for a decade??

5-6 sessions of PSL was also played there?

You still need a few games to acclimatise to the conditions. While each team will play there only once, India will have the advantage of playing multiple matches.

 

[Devadwal]

You still need a few games to acclimatise to the conditions. While each team will play there only once, India will have the advantage of playing multiple matches.

India have lot's of grounds but when we played the last World cup , we played every at different venues while pakistan played consecutive matches at same venues like two in Hyderabad, two in Chennai ( still lost against Afghanistan)

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

India have lot's of grounds but when we played the last World cup , we played every at different venues while pakistan played consecutive matches at same venues like two in Hyderabad, two in Chennai ( still lost against Afghanistan)

So, you see no difference between the pitches in Pakistan and the UAE? What a genius. Once the tournament starts, you will be the first to complain about the slow UAE pitches while teams in Pakistan score runs with ease.

And let’s not forget they still traveled to Chennai and Hyderabad for two matches each, whereas India will play all three at the same venue. And other matches after progressing to the next stage. Learn the difference.

 

[Devadwal]

So, you see no difference between the pitches in Pakistan and the UAE? What a genius. Once the tournament starts, you will be the first to complain about the slow UAE pitches while teams in Pakistan score runs with ease.

And let’s not forget they still traveled to Chennai and Hyderabad for two matches each, whereas India will play all three at the same venue. And other matches after progressing to the next stage. Learn the difference.

India is going to play 2nd match against Pakistan at the UAE.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

View attachment 150568

India is going to play 2nd match against Pakistan at the UAE.

You seem confused now. At first, you were bragging about the Indian team on the first page of this thread, even posting India's last five ODI match stats against Pakistan. But as the match day got closer, you suddenly changed your stance, now calling Pakistan the favorites. Meanwhile, you are trying to silence those who have consistently backed India as the favorites from the start. This is exactly where 'hypocrisy ki bhi seema hoti hai' fits you perfectly.

So, tell me now, who do you actually think is the favorite for the India vs. Pakistan match on February 23, 2025? Let's hear your honest reviews.

 

[Devadwal]

You seem confused now. At first, you were bragging about the Indian team on the first page of this thread, even posting India's last five ODI match stats against Pakistan. But as the match day got closer, you suddenly changed your stance, now calling Pakistan the favorites. Meanwhile, you are trying to silence those who have consistently backed India as the favorites from the start. This is exactly where 'hypocrisy ki bhi seema hoti hai' fits you perfectly.

So, tell me now, who do you actually think is the favorite for the India vs. Pakistan match on February 23, 2025? Let's hear your honest reviews.

I was talking about playing conditions as you was already giving excuses like India has advantages of playing at the Dubai.

I wasn't Even talking about results .lol

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I was talking about playing conditions as you was already giving excuses like India has advantages of playing at the Dubai.

I wasn't Even talking about results .lol

Who according to you is the favourite for the match then? Let's hear your answer.

 

[Devadwal]

Who according to you is the favourite for the match then? Let's hear your answer.

If you look af the team on the paper india is clear favourite .

But looking at current form of indian player's , pakistan has the edges

 

[Bhaijaan]

We are going to murder your bowling attack in Dubai


@DeadlyVenom @Cpt. Rishwat @Rana @Major @BouncerGuy @The Bald Eagle

 

[Major]

We are going to murder your bowling attack in Dubai


@DeadlyVenom @Cpt. Rishwat @Rana @Major @BouncerGuy @The Bald Eagle

I think @Rana is your men.

 

[Devadwal]

We are going to murder your bowling attack in Dubai


@DeadlyVenom @Cpt. Rishwat @Rana @Major @BouncerGuy @The Bald Eagle

 

[Bhaijaan]

I think @Rana is your men.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

We are going to murder your bowling attack in Dubai


@DeadlyVenom @Cpt. Rishwat @Rana @Major @BouncerGuy @The Bald Eagle

I know bro its a mere formality for you guys.

In the slim chance India lose it will be a big humiliation for BCCI.

 

[Bhaijaan]

I know bro its a mere formality for you guys.

In the slim chance India lose it will be a big humiliation for BCCI.

Which is why this rivalry works

 

[Rana]

I think @Rana is your men.

I’d rather have an Indian passport than end up in Guantanamo Bay for supporting terrorism

 

[Major]

What the hell indian goverment or BJP do if india lose the match .

Unlike india , pakistan PM is already commented on india - pakistan match and want pakistan to win at any cost

Lets not forget that whenever India loses, mosi saab has to personally console them

 

[DeadlyVenom]

What the hell indian goverment or BJP do if india lose the match .

Unlike india , pakistan PM is already commented on india - pakistan match and want pakistan to win at any cost

If India loses to this weak Pakistan team then it will be a world wide shockwave event with major repercussions. Anything can happen bro in such an environment that's why I mentioned the possibility of that scenario.

 

[Devadwal]

Lets not forget that whenever India loses, mosi saab has to personally console them

Yes unlike Pakistan ,who used to fired everyone ( Captain ,coach , selectors etc) . It is a good things

 

[Rana]

We are going to murder your bowling attack in Dubai


@DeadlyVenom @Cpt. Rishwat @Rana @Major @BouncerGuy @The Bald Eagle

Oh bhai stop associating me with this side.

I can’t approve this crappy white ball line up. I can’t support them because Misbah loves Rizwan because of SNGPL, or Imran Khan visionary loves Bobsy the King.

This is not my mess. This isn’t the Pakistan cricket I subscribed to.

 

[Devadwal]

If India loses to this weak Pakistan team then it will be a world wide shockwave event with major repercussions. Anything can happen bro in such an environment that's why I mentioned the possibility of that scenario.

Yes can also fly according to some Pakistan fans

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Yes can also fly according to some Pakistan fans

Pig flying is more likely than Pakistan winning after India rigged the tournament to play in UAE.


Infact if I was a Indian I would maybe commit suicide if India lost to this crap team.

 

[Devadwal]

Pig flying is more likely than Pakistan winning after India rigged the tournament to play in UAE.


Infact if I was a Indian I would maybe commit suicide if India lost to this crap team.

 

[Mesozoic]

Pig flying is more likely than Pakistan winning after India rigged the tournament to play in UAE

Ironically, UAE provides a better opportunity to Pakistan to beat India than their own wickets back home. Atleast now you guys can hope to win the toss and have the obvious batting second advantage in Dubai to compete better.

On wickets like yesterday's in Lahore, India tramples all over Pakistan 6 days of the week and twice on Sundays.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Pig flying is more likely than Pakistan winning after India rigged the tournament to play in UAE.


Infact if I was a Indian I would maybe commit suicide if India lost to this crap team.

I intend to live lol not die for some stupid cricket game.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

We are going to murder your bowling attack in Dubai


@DeadlyVenom @Cpt. Rishwat @Rana @Major @BouncerGuy @The Bald Eagle

More than likely. Pakistan star bowlers are very hit and miss. If they hit their lines, they will take out the best, but that only happens 20% of the time. Usually they will waste the new ball and give away the game in the opening spell.

I would actually consider seam bowlers who can use the new ball like Mumammad Ali or who can mix it up with craft like Bilal Afridi.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I intend to live lol not die for some stupid cricket game.

Exactly. You would sooner change your nickname from Bhaijaan to MunniBadnaam than risk everything over a mere cricket match.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Ironically, UAE provides a better opportunity to Pakistan to beat India than their own wickets back home. Atleast now you guys can hope to win the toss and have the obvious batting second advantage in Dubai to compete better.

On wickets like yesterday's in Lahore, India tramples all over Pakistan 6 days of the week and twice on Sundays.

LMAO this guy changes his tone the moment the actual match gets closer. On other days, he can’t stop hyping India over Pakistan, even using his ridiculous logic that 'if India beats Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka beats Pakistan, then India will beat Pakistan.' Now, suddenly, he is acting humble and at least giving Pakistan a chance.

Here is a thing. India are clear favourites to win against Pakistan and playing all their matches at the same location is a good reason too. You are expecting other teams to acclimatise to the conditions in one go.

 

[Inswinging Yorker]

India will be overwhelming favorites to beat the daylights out of Pakistan. Their cricket are in shambles and always cracks under pressure.Pakistan's false batting hopes rests on an overrated ,overhyped Zimbabar

 

[Mesozoic]

LMAO this guy changes his tone the moment the actual match gets closer. On other days, he can’t stop hyping India over Pakistan, even using his ridiculous logic that 'if India beats Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka beats Pakistan, then India will beat Pakistan.' Now, suddenly, he is acting humble and at least giving Pakistan a chance.

Here is a thing. India are clear favourites to win against Pakistan and playing all their matches at the same location is a good reason too. You are expecting other teams to acclimatise to the conditions in one go.

I said Pakistan has "better" chance of beating India in UAE thanks to the luck factors associated with the venue than they would have in Pakistan where conditions remain same for most of the game. That's not "acting humble" , it's stating bare facts which is out of your zone of understanding.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I said Pakistan has "better" chance of beating India in UAE thanks to the luck factors associated with the venue than they would have in Pakistan where conditions remain same for most of the game. That's not "acting humble" , it's stating bare facts which is out of your zone of understanding.

The guy who never stops hyping one team over the other is finally giving the other team a chance. You should just stick to being arrogant and say Pakistan has no chance whatsoever, no matter the conditions. Was just pointing a change in your arrogant tone. Kya hua dil pe lagi?

 

[Mesozoic]

The guy who never stops hyping one team over the other is finally giving the other team a chance. You should just stick to being arrogant and say Pakistan has no chance whatsoever, no matter the conditions. Was just pointing a change in your arrogant tone. Kya hua dil pe lagi?

And do you even read your own posts before hitting reply? They are full of cow crap.

I'm not delusional like you lot to overhype and go on a tangent with nothing to back me up. That's the difference.

 

[MenInG]

It won't be Pakistan. Likh kay laylo

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I'm not delusional like you lot to overhype and go on a tangent with nothing to back me up. That's the difference.

You are full of delusions but acting like a humble guy just before the match. That was my point.

 

[Mesozoic]

You are full of delusions but acting like a humble guy just before the match. That was my point.

Oh really? Can you point some out?

 

[ask_analyse_act]

With the team that played against Australia and SA series , Pak had a better chance with Saim in red hot form up the order and the bowlers attacking for wickets back then

Now with the friends 11 selection , no doubt India will win easily.

Pakistani batters these days seems to have some kind of height issue, they all look like keeper batters lol

India has Rohit, Shubman, Jaiswal, Shreyas, Kohli, Axar, KLRahul, Pandya, Jadeja , Tilak , Abishek Sharma are all avg 5’10 to 6’0 feet tall cricketers

Whereas Pakistan players are short in stature like Bangladeshi players in the past Kamran Ghulam, Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, Usman , Saud Shakeel, Khusdil, even Saim and Shafique not this many coming ranks to be short and mental midgets except Saim and Shafique with proper Technique and little bit taller than other smaller guys.

 

[cricketmania22]

India. There is no way with this squad, and with these unfit players Pakistan will beat India.
India will not only beat Pakistan but will win the ICC champion trophy tournament also. They are the best bowling side in these conditions, and their batting is strong enough to put a good total on board and chase any total down.

 

[Amjid Javed]

India are going to seriously hammer Pakistan. The gulf in class between 2 sides is huge

 

[Cricket Warrior]

this Pakistan side wont even make it to the semis... i m 100% sure!

 

[pratiktc]

Anything can happen on a given day.

Pak needs to bat first and score 325 minimum. Since there is no quality 5th bowler, pressure has to be their 5th bowler.

I was hoping for a close match but seeing the way the teams are lining up, it looks unlikely

 

[FearlessRoar]

Shastri, Ponting weigh in on Pakistan's chances at Champions Trophy

Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting think Pakistan can perform well at the upcoming event.

Cricketing greats Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting have shared their opinions on Pakistan's prospects at the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, with both saying they could have a big impact.

With Pakistan set to co-host a senior ICC event for the first time since the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 1996, the stakes are higher than ever for the nation.

Shastri, the former India head coach, has acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with playing at home, particularly in sub-continent conditions.

Despite this, Shastri believes Pakistan possesses the depth and potential to thrive on familiar turf.

"There’s always pressure when you play at home in the sub-continent – whether it’s India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or Pakistan – the expectations are massive," Shastri remarked, when speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review.

"But I think Pakistan are the kind of side that, with the exposure they’ve had in the last six to eight months in white-ball cricket, have put up some really strong performances, especially in South Africa."

Shastri also touched on the absence of talented young opener Saim Ayub, who is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury.

"They've missed Ayub at the top, and he’s a crucial player," Shastri noted.

"But Pakistan have enough depth to be dangerous, especially in home conditions. I would say they should qualify for the semi-finals and from there, it’s anyone’s game."

Shastri remains confident that, if they make it through to the knockout stages, Pakistan could pose a serious threat to any team.

"Pakistan are still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they’ll be doubly more dangerous," he added.

Ponting echoed Shastri's sentiment while focusing on Pakistan's pace attack and the form of former skipper Babar Azam.

According to Ponting, Pakistan’s fast bowling unit could prove to be a game-changer at the tournament.

"I agree with Ravi. Saim Ayub is a high-quality player, and his absence is a massive gap to fill," Ponting told The ICC Review.

"But Pakistan’s fast bowling brigade is very, very good. Led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who’ve been terrific in recent series, they have the pace and skill to trouble any batting line-up."

Ponting also highlighted the importance of Babar and Mohammad Rizwan in anchoring Pakistan's batting.

"Babar has been a bit up and down in recent years, but if he and Rizwan can bring their A-games, that’s when Pakistan becomes incredibly dangerous," he said.

The former Australian captain also acknowledged the added dimension that playing in front of a home crowd can bring.

"The pressure of playing at home can work both ways. It can be a real motivator, especially with the home crowd behind you. That support can sometimes help you cross the line in big moments."

Ponting emphasised that if Pakistan's key players perform to their potential, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

"They’ve still got enough high-quality players to beat any team on any given day," he said. "If they play well, they’ll be right in it."

Shastri, Ponting weigh in on Pakistan's chances at Champions Trophy

Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting think Pakistan can perform well at the upcoming event.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[emranabbas]

India in bollywood movies:
Pakistan ko ghar mein ghus ke maare ga, surgical strike kare ga

India in reality:
hum dubai bhag jaye ga

 

[FearlessRoar]

Harbhajan Singh during an interaction with the local media:

“The hype is being created regarding the India-Pakistan match…the team that is going to adjust better with the pitch will get a better result."

"India has an advantage, it will play all its matches in Dubai so it will have an idea about the pitch and conditions. Overall I feel the Indian team is better than the Pakistan team and the result will be in favour of India.”

 

[FearlessRoar]

India in bollywood movies:
Pakistan ko ghar mein ghus ke maare ga, surgical strike kare ga

India in reality:
hum dubai bhag jaye ga

Kya baat hai bhai - zabardast

 

[jnaveen1980]

Unless the pitch is two paced i don't think this approach will work

 

[FearlessRoar]

Naseem Shah addressing a press conference in Karachi ahead of the second match against South Africa in the Tri-Nation ODI series:

"So far, there hasn’t been any special discussion about how to approach the India game. Everyone’s focus is on playing good cricket throughout the tournament. If you only think about one match, it can create problems for the rest of the tournament. Handling pressure is key, and the team that manages it better will perform well. We just need to play the same cricket we play against other teams."

 

[shortbread]

If Naseem, Shaheen, Rauf are switched on, unlikely the Indian batsmen bat their full quota of 50 overs and will most likely conjure up an under-par score. If the batsmen do nothing stupid one can see this squad beating India. Last time, had the team hit one extra 6, India would have been out of the T20 WC group stages and never gone on to win the World cup.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

If Naseem, Shaheen, Rauf are switched on, unlikely the Indian batsmen bat their full quota of 50 overs and will most likely conjure up an under-par score. If the batsmen do nothing stupid one can see this squad beating India. Last time, had the team hit one extra 6, India would have been out of the T20 WC group stages and never gone on to win the World cup.

and if those two catches were not dropped early in the Pak run chase?

 

[Devadwal]

If Naseem, Shaheen, Rauf are switched on, unlikely the Indian batsmen bat their full quota of 50 overs and will most likely conjure up an under-par score. If the batsmen do nothing stupid one can see this squad beating India. Last time, had the team hit one extra 6, India would have been out of the T20 WC group stages and never gone on to win the World cup.

A message from heartbroken Pakistan fan . Honsla rakho