The first thing that struck our minds is: ‘are we really going to witness the epic final’ between two arch-rivals India and Pakistan during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy? And the answer is reasonably and practically yes in the gentleman’s game, as the experts, die-hard fans would not have to daydream about the grand finale anymore as that has further become a reality – to look out for, at the Kennington Oval in London, on Super Sunday (June 18).
During the ongoing edition of ICC Champions Trophy, we have had witnessed sparse crowd vouching for their respective teams.
However, when it comes to India and Pakistan the encounter becomes doubly effective which releases the adrenaline among fans at will, as record-crowd would witness the historic clash while keeping stadium abuzz followed by chants and cheers.
Overview:
As Pakistan side wouldn’t be relying on or reading in the history of overall record in One-day Internationals against India, the Sarfraz-led side would be aiming to give their best with the bat which has led their downfall in the recent times, as bowling has not been that much of a concern for the team.
Moreover, known as a ‘fauji’ left-handed batsman Fakhar Zaman has provided some impetus in the first three games, he has played in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy.
The 27-year-old Mardan-born Zaman has smashed two fifties to inject life in Pakistan’s fragile batting line-up while playing his natural game to keep scoreboard ticking, as he would be itching to continue with his natural game plan – to provide a decent start to the team.
Interestingly, Sarfraz Ahmed, who has drawn criticism and equally the support for not being able to speak English fluently, has led his side from the front by making impressive changes which further saw him silencing critics with his bat, before making it to the first-ever final of the ICC Champions Trophy.
The mercurial Pakistan was drubbed by Men in Green in the one-sided contest by 124 runs which further saw the side regrouping following making a couple of changes to stun South Africa and then hosts England which further saw an intimidated win against Sri Lanka in the virtual quarter-final.
Talking Points:
It would be interesting to see how Pakistan would face-off slow bowlers against whom Pakistan has a history of doing well while considering Pakistan has infused fresh players in the side which include Zaman.
However, the unpredictable Pakistan would be hinging on their senior including Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik and Azhar Ali, who has the potential to set the decent total for their bowlers to defend.
Rising to the occasion, the 23-year-old wily customer Hasan Ali has been the man for Pakistan to be among wickets while giving his heart out after leaking runs against India.
The right-arm bowler has bagged ten wickets which are most by any bowler in the ongoing edition of ICC Champions Trophy.
Wary about the quality batting line-up of India, Sarfraz would be desperate to see his spearhead Mohammad Amir starting the proceedings as a spearhead after missing out a crunch game against England in Cardiff.
Interestingly, Mohammad Amir has been declared fit for the final, who would be tested by inform top-order of Men in Blue as Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma has been giving perfect starts to make things easier for the middle-order batsmen.
Making the decisive changes at crucial junctures, Pakistan has fielded two newcomers in One-day International cricket, in the form of left-arm fast bowler Rumman Raees and aggressive Fakhar Zaman, as both have fared well to play their part for the team.
The 25-year-old Raees, who came at the expense of injured Wahab Riaz bagged two wickets when he was handed a 50-over debut in the semi-final against England which included a prized scalp of Alex Hales.
It’s expected that Mohammad Amir may come at the expense of rookie leg-spinner Shadab Khan.
Moreover, adding an interesting facet to the title game, Pakistan team management can include all-rounder Fahim Ashraf in the place of Rumman Raees, in a bid to strengthen the batting line-up.
Here’s The Predicted XI Pakistan:
Sarfraz Ahmed (skipper/wk), Fakhar Zaman, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Sohaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali and Ruman Raees/Fahim Ashraf.