Champions Trophy 2017: England are Favourites, Says Shane Bond
Nov 2, 2023 at 3:41 PM
England was the first team to qualify for the semi-final of Champions Trophy. They have given a good performance so far in the tournament. Former New Zealand pace bowler Shane Bond has picked England as his favourite to win the title.
Bond admitted that Pakistan are very unpredictable and on their day can be very dangerous, but the depth in England’s side could prove lethal. Pakistan middle order and batting have crumbled a lot and there would be no place for improvement of such mistakes against England.
“England has been the dominant team all tournament long, though I agree that you never know with Pakistan. Cricket matches are not played on paper, admittedly, though on paper, England is the clear favourite. Pakistan has a dangerous bowling attack like it has had over the years, and there is a little bit of experience in its batting,” Bond wrote.
Shane too spoke about pitches that have been flat in England and that is the reason that the subcontinent teams have been so successful. He also said that though Pakistan boasts of a good bowling attack, the host’s batsmen can outplay them.
“Given the depth and muscle in its batting, England will hope to turn up for its first semi-final against Pakistan in Cardiff on Wednesday and find a flat deck with no movement, so that it can out-skill the opposition. This tournament has already produced a number of high scores, and I don’t see that changing,” he wrote.
Although England looks favourite, Pakistan can never be underestimated, especially after they snatched a thrilling win against Lankans. Their bowling attack looks to be in fine rhythm and in Junaid Khan, Mohammed Amir, and Hassan Ali, Pakistan have decent Pacers.
At the end, the team that keeps the pressure on will get to play in the final.