As Pakistan put together for his or her high-stakes Champions Trophy showdown in opposition to India on Sunday, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and cricketer Ramiz Raja believes their underdog standing might work to their benefit.
In his column for Daybreak, Raja instructed that India’s top-order vulnerabilities and strategic bowling changes might open the door for a Pakistan upset on the Dubai Worldwide Stadium.
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“India have already got a victory beneath their belt, beating Bangladesh of their first recreation. Pakistan, determined to get off the mark, will enter the much-awaited recreation because the underdogs. However that may truly be a bonus as a result of it permits them to play with out a lot strain,” Raja said.
Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat in opposition to New Zealand of their opening recreation, leaving them in a must-win state of affairs. Nonetheless, Raja famous that India’s batting mainstays, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, usually are not in prime kind.
“India’s batting mainstays Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli usually are not at the moment in nice kind, and if Shubman Gill — who scored a century to information India to victory in opposition to Bangladesh — will get out early, Pakistan could have a very good probability to decelerate India’s scoring,” he stated.
Raja highlighted their failure to rotate the strike successfully, pointing to the staggering 145 dot balls whereas chasing 320. “The highest order usually takes too lengthy to start out scoring and taking dangers, worrying about getting out. This fearful mindset hinders the crew’s capability to set or chase targets,” he noticed.
Pakistan’s bowling assault additionally wants a sharper method. Raja criticised their tempo bowlers for missing selection and management beneath strain. “The place are the yorkers, the slower bouncers, or delicate variations? The spinners have been bowling too quick and defensively. That might want to change,” he warned.
Regardless of Pakistan’s early setback, Raja stays optimistic. “It wasn’t the perfect begin, however when enjoying in opposition to India, Pakistan usually rise to the event and play with nice ardour for his or her nation and followers. Nonetheless, it’s also vital for them to remain calm beneath strain and successfully comply with their bowling plans, particularly within the closing phases of the match.”
With a sold-out stadium anticipated to be dominated by Indian supporters, Raja sees the strain as a possible motivator for Pakistan. “On Sunday, there can be added strain. The stadium can be full of extra Indian followers than Pakistan followers. It might be a terrific day to win in opposition to the percentages!” he concluded.
