Pakistani Side Has The Ability To Beat India In Champions Trophy, Says Younis Khan
May 29, 2017 at 3:16 PM
Former Pakistan cricketer Younis Khan feels that the Pakistan unit led by Sarfraz Ahmed can beat India on June 4 at Edgbaston. The two sides will begin their Champions Trophy campaign playing against each other in the much-anticipated clash.
Pakistan traditionally holds a better ODI head to head record over India. In the Champions Trophy as well, the Men in Green maintain an upper hand with a 2-1 scoreline. This should serve as a huge source of motivation for the side.
“Pakistani side has the ability to beat India in Champions Trophy as Pakistan has outperformed India in the past as well,” the Dawn quoted Younis as saying.
Younis also as pointed out that the upcoming multi-nation tournament will be a run fest where no target would be safe enough for teams to breathe easy.
“Pitches look good and in my opinion, even 400 runs will be easily chased down in the Champions Trophy,” he added.
In the past, Pakistan has been let down by their poor fielding quality and batting slumps. Younis Khan states that the team should be focussed on the two weak elements of their line-up.
“In modern cricket, fielding is the key for winning ODIs and T20 Cricket and Pakistan team must focus on fielding and grab every opportunity,” the former Pakistan skipper said.
Younis, who recently retired from the Test format, also felt that skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has a golden opportunity to revive Pakistan’s waning reputation in limited overs cricket.
“It’s a great chance for Sarfraz Ahmed to lead the side well and take Pakistan cricket forward and all will depend on him that how he leads the side,” he said.
Pakistan was on the verge of disqualification before the start of the Champions Trophy as uncertainty over their position in the ODI ranking stayed aloof. The side is currently 8th in the world. But, they could have lost the opportunity to participate in the tournament if they had lost their most recent ODI series against West Indies in West Indies.
Luckily, they managed to overcome the challenge and ensured their presence in the prestigious tournament.