Champions Trophy: Coach Aqib Javed says ‘match-winning’ fast bowlers key ahead of heavily anticipated India clash – Sport

Pakistan coach Aqib Javed on Saturday said his fast bowlers were “match-winners” and would pull out something special against arch-rivals India in their pivotal Champions Trophy clash.

Hosts and defending champions Pakistan need to win the blockbuster showdown with India on Sunday in Dubai to keep their chances of making the semi-finals in their own hands.

Pakistan lost the opening match of the 50-over tournament to New Zealand and are bottom of Group A. India beat Bangladesh in their first match.

Pakistani fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf leaked 214 runs in their 30 overs combined in New Zealand’s total of 320.

But Aqib said the trio will rise to the occasion. “We have three specialists and I would say one of the best pace bowling options in today’s game with Shaheen, Naseem and Haris,” Aqib told reporters.

The former seam bowler said the current attack reminds him of that from the 1990s, when Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Aqib stepped up after the retirement of the great Imran Khan.

“They still have time to reach that level, but they have all the ability to repeat those sorts of performances,” Aqib said. “When you play against India it is a special feeling and I think they will bring something special tomorrow.”

He added: “Our fast bowling options are good and they are match-winners.”

Bilateral cricket ties are frozen between the two rival nations due to political tensions and they only play each other in multi-nation events.

India refused to tour Pakistan for this eight-nation tournament and will play all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium, which is expected to be full for the high-profile game.

Pakistan, who hammered India in the last Champions Trophy final in 2017, have flown in from Karachi for their must-win clash and Aqib says pressure produces champions.

“There is no game you play without pressure,” Aqib said. “Between India and Pakistan, it doesn’t matter it’s a knock-out or whatever. It is beyond the game.”

Aqib said: “If you look at the positive, it’s the best time and best chance for any individual or a team to make a mark. Passion and pressure are what a player needs to showcase his game.”

The top two teams from each of the two groups make the semi-finals.

The rivals last met in a one-day game at the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad, with hosts India winning by seven wickets.