Pakistan have beaten India in three of the five games in the previous Champions Trophy events. Their wins came in 2004 in the United Kingdom, 2009 in South Africa and in 2017 final at The Oval in London.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"If we talk about match-winners, I'd say that India has more match-winners compared to Pakistan. A match-winner is someone who knows how to win the game single-handedly. Right now, we don\u2019t have such players in Pakistan. India's strength lies in its middle and lower order, which has been winning them matches.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFor a long time, we have been giving opportunities to players, but no one has stepped up consistently. Some have performed in a few games, but we don\u2019t have players who have sustained their performance for a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat\u2019s where we are a little weaker compared to India, which is very strong in this area. But the key to winning against India is collective performance\u2014whether it's the batsmen, bowlers, or spinners\u2014everyone\u2019s contribution is crucial,\" said Afridi on JioHotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In response to his comments, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh said, \"I actually think Pakistan has an advantage because they have a base in Dubai. They have played a lot of cricket there and understand the conditions well. On slower wickets, Indian and Pakistani players are among the best, who have always played spin well.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou talk about match-winners\u2014yes, I agree with Shahid Afridi that we have more match-winners. But I believe that even if Pakistan has fewer match-winners, one player can still take the game away.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe India-Pakistan clash is not about match-winners alone; it\u2019s about playing in the moment, adapting to the situation, and not letting expectations overwhelm you. The team that does this better will win the game for their country,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Defending champions Pakistan have started their Champions Trophy campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand in the tournament opener while India registered a comprehensive 6-wicket win against Bangladesh on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Afridi also felt captain Mohammad Rizwan has to lead by example, especially after defending champions Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the tournament opener. \"As a captain, Rizwan has to set an example for others\u2014that is very important. He must perform in every game, and his attitude, body language, and leadership matter a lot.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBeing a captain comes with equal amounts of praise and criticism. His performance will be crucial, as he is the glue that holds the team together. He treats everyone equally, he is a fighter, and his energy on the field is infectious. I have seen him step up in big matches, and I am confident he will lead the team well.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq felt if Pakistan were to gain an edge in the match, then they should look to dismiss veteran India duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. \"There is no doubt that all Indian players are very good, but Virat and Rohit are in a league of their own. That\u2019s because they have been performing consistently for nearly 20 years, and their impact on the team is massive.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf they get out early, it will make a significant difference in India's dressing room, and Pakistan\u2019s morale will rise. That doesn\u2019t mean the rest of the Indian players won\u2019t perform\u2014they are very talented\u2014but they are still developing.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq felt if Pakistan were to gain an edge in the match, then they should look to dismiss veteran India duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. \"There is no doubt that all Indian players are very good, but Virat and Rohit are in a league of their own. That\u2019s because they have been performing consistently for nearly 20 years, and their impact on the team is massive.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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