India´s (left) and Pakistan´s gamers arrive for the Asia Cup 2023 ODI cricket match between India and Pakistan on the Pallekele Worldwide Cricket Stadium in Kandy on September 2, 2023. — AFP
DUBAI: The lop-sided nature of arguably cricket’s fiercest rivalry lately however, feelings in each nations will run excessive when bitter neighbours India and Pakistan conflict in a Champions Trophy blockbuster in Dubai on Sunday.
India prevailed in seven of the eight accomplished ODIs within the final decade in opposition to rivals they play solely in multi-team occasions due to a strained political relationship between the 2 nations.
India, who refused to journey to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy citing authorities recommendation, shall be taking part in all their matches in Dubai and kicked off their Group A marketing campaign with a six-wicket victory in opposition to Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s title defence, in the meantime, look in disarray after their complete defeat by New Zealand and the crew led by Mohammed Rizwan want a drastic turnaround in opposition to Rohit Sharma’s India.
Hype has constructed across the match however India vice captain Shubman Gill sought to underplay it.
“It doesn’t change anything for us, honestly,” the opener, who smashed a match-winning hundred in opposition to Bangladesh, informed reporters on Saturday.
“We play every match to win the match and this is no different for us.”
“India-Pakistan has a long history. It’s an exciting contest when both these teams play. Everyone enjoys watching it.”
India arrived with out Jasprit Bumrah however didn’t miss their tempo spearhead as Mohammed Shami claimed 5 wickets in opposition to Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s batting mainstay Babar Azam drew flak for missing intent regardless that he managed a fifty in opposition to New Zealand.
Fellow opener Fakhar Zaman has been dominated out of the event after struggling an throughout that match.
“It is a big match, but I think the biggest match would obviously be the final,” Gill mentioned.
“By no means we are going to take them as a lesser side. I think they have got a good side and it is important for us to bring our A game tomorrow.”
