ICC Champions Trophy 2017 – Final: India Vs Pakistan – Match Prediction

Nov 2, 2023 at 3:37 PM

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ICC Champions Trophy 2017 – Final: India Vs Pakistan – Match Prediction

When India take on Pakistan in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, the atmosphere will be second to none in terms of excitement. In this modern age, fans rarely get to witness the most loved rivalry in the history of the game, but now, that they getting to witness it twice in two weeks alone, is enough to signify what this tournament truly means.

 

Both the sides till now have followed a similar pattern in their road to the finals. Losing just one game each in the group stage, both these exciting outfits mauled their opponents in the semi-final. Keeping in mind the prowess of India’s top three, however, there would already be enough panic in that Pakistani camp.

 

Overview:

India:

With a relatively settled outfit, there shouldn’t be the need to make any changes to the playing XI that has won two games in a row. Of course, there will be some thought given to giving pacer Umesh Yadav a free hand in the final, but then who does he replace. Keeping in mind the management’s utmost faith in all-rounder Hardik Pandya, that makes things even more complicated. R. Ashwin might have endured a mediocre outing in the semifinal against Bangladesh, but dropping him altogether would be a big risk. As a match winner, Ashwin is right up at the top and his experience of handling the pressure moments alone merits him a place in the XI.

Hassan Ali. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

While people may perceive India’s ever comprehensive top 3 to be their biggest strength, the X factor actually lies in the middle order. MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh share a special bond with Pakistan and enjoy some staggering numbers against them. With an ocean of experience in the middle order with these two stalwarts around, even if the Pakistani bowlers manage to keep the top three quite, they will have a lot of trouble coming in for later on.

 

Pakistan:

There was some positive news for Pakistan on Friday evening as ace pacer Mohammad Amir was declared fit for the final. Amir was Pakistan’s best bowler in the team’s loss to India in their first match and his inclusion should offer a  lot of respite to the men in green. But will the side be willing to drop Rumman Raees, who impressed mightily against England? Most probably either of Shadab Khan or Imad Wasim would make way for Amir, even if it means lengthening the tail. Going in with four pacers is Pakistan’s best chance.

In this present Pakistan lineup, only one batsman will worry India to a certain extent. It has to be their old nemesis, Shoaib Malik. Malik has some fantastic numbers against India and is always a touch above his usual self against his favourite opponents. Dismissing him early on will be India’s top priority.

 

Match Prediction:

Despite carrying some momentum, India should bulldoze Pakistan and clinch their third ICC Champions Trophy title. The stage seems set for skipper Virat Kohli to lift his first ever ICC event as India’s captain.

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