IND vs PAK: Forward of the large India vs Pakistan conflict within the group stage of the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday, former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has handed a damning indictment of the present Pakistan group. Afridi claimed that the present group that’s seeking to defend its Champions Trophy title doesn’t have gamers who know win a recreation single-handedly.
“If we discuss match-winners, I’d say that India has extra match-winners in comparison with Pakistan. A match-winner is somebody who is aware of win the sport single-handedly. Proper now, we don’t have such gamers in Pakistan,” Shahid Afridi stated on JioHotstar for a particular present within the construct as much as the India vs Pakistan recreation.
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Within the present, Afridi was joined by Yuvraj Singh, Navjot Singh Sidhu, and former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Speaking about India, Afridi stated: “India’s power lies in its center and decrease order, which has been successful them matches. For a very long time, we have now been giving alternatives to gamers, however nobody has stepped up constantly. Some have carried out in a number of video games, however we don’t have gamers who’ve sustained their efficiency for a yr, two years, or throughout 50-60 matches. That’s the place we’re a bit of weaker in comparison with India, which may be very robust on this space. However the important thing to successful in opposition to India is collective efficiency — whether or not it’s the batsmen, bowlers, or spinners — everybody’s contribution is essential.”
Shahid Afridi additionally weighed in on Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy.
“As a captain, Rizwan has to set an instance for others — that is essential. He should carry out in each recreation, and his angle, physique language, and management matter quite a bit. Being a captain comes with equal quantities of reward and criticism. His efficiency can be essential, as he’s the glue that holds the group collectively. He treats everybody equally, he’s a fighter, and his vitality on the sector is infectious. I’ve seen him step up in huge matches, and I’m assured he’ll lead the group properly.”