Pakistan on Sunday won the toss and decided to bat first as they come face to face with arch-rival India in the must-win ICC Champions Trophy blockbuster in Dubai.
India prevailed in seven of the eight completed ODIs in the last decade against rivals they play only in multi-team events because of a strained political relationship between the two countries.
Pakistan’s title defence, meanwhile, looks in disarray after their comprehensive defeat by New Zealand and the team led by Mohammed Rizwan need a drastic turnaround against Rohit Sharma’s India.
As the time for the toss nears, fans began gathering at the Dubai International Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, where the stage for the high-octane game has been prepared.
India arrived without Jasprit Bumrah but did not miss their pace spearhead as Mohammed Shami claimed five wickets against Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s batting mainstay Babar Azam drew flak for lacking intent even though he managed a fifty against New Zealand.
Another challenge facing the Green Shirts is opener Fakhar Zaman being ruled out of the tournament after suffering an injury during that match in Karachi.
Imamul Haq, the 27-year-old who has featured in 72 ODIs and has 3,138 runs to his name at an average of 48.3 — will be replacing Fakhar in today’s match.
India, who refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy citing government advice, will be playing all their matches in Dubai and kicked off their Group ‘A’ campaign with a six-wicket victory against Bangladesh.
- Desk Reporthttps://foresightmags.com/author/admin/
- Desk Reporthttps://foresightmags.com/author/admin/
- Desk Reporthttps://foresightmags.com/author/admin/
- Desk Reporthttps://foresightmags.com/author/admin/
