Be it anyone in India, Pakistan or England, everyone is geared up to witness the biggest game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 between India and Pakistan at Edgbaston.
It is after a period of one year when both the teams will face off each and given the expectations which fans have from their sides, no team can afford to falter as one error and that’s all.
Both India and Pakistan share a rich history in ICC tournaments and the sigh of relief for Pakistan is that they have defeated India in Champions Trophy twice which is only ICC tournament where they have emerged as the winner against Men in Blue.
Though, team India is going in the game as the favourite due to the fact that they have a better and experienced line-up plus that the Pakistan hasn’t done well recently.
“India do have a strong line-up on paper, but we have prepared well too. It’s always a big occasion when India and Pakistan play against each other, but we have tried our best to stay away from all the noise around us. I’ve told the boys to not pay attention to what people are saying or writing, but to focus on their cricket,” said skipper Sarfraz Khan head of the game.
Pakistan skipper himself have a big challenge, as he has just been appointed as the captain a few months ago and it will be the first time when he will lead his side in an ICC tournament. Though same is the case with Virat Kohli though he has led India in 23 Test matches, which will come handy going into the game.
For Pakistan, to post a win, the important thing will be to get Kohli early, a fact which Pakistan skipper knew well,
“There’s no doubt that Kohli is a good player, but we have our plans in place for him. He’s their captain and best player, we will look to get him out early so that there is pressure on the rest of their players,” said Ahmed.
Despite Pakistan not being rated favourite for this game, Sarfraz said that the pressure will be on the Indian team rather Pakistan being the one to feel it,
“India does have a better team, but the pressure will also be on them. If we win our ranking will go up, but if they lose their ranking will fall.”
The clash between the two sides is expected to be a blockbuster contest where not just the result, but the everything is at stake i.e. the expectations and emotions of fans and both the sides will look to get the winning start to take the same momentum ahead.