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Pakistan's senior batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been facing widespread criticism for their approach after a failed run chase against New Zealand in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener. Many have questioned the batters' intent in the run chase of 321 as they could not capitalise in the powerplay overs and lost by 60 runs at National Stadium, Karachi. Former India bowling all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels that Pakistan team has plenty of problems ahead of their clash against India as they are not playing modern-day cricket.
“When it comes to Pakistan, look, they have plenty of problems in the team,” Pathan told PTI Videos on February 21.
“As far as some of the senior guys (are concerned), they don't play that kind of aggressive modern-day cricket, especially in white-ball cricket. So, can they change it? It's very difficult.
“But more than the weaknesses and the strengths, it's all about the India-Pakistan occasion. Whoever handles the occasion really well, that team wins."
Pathan backs India for their ability to handle pressure well. He also feels that India are far ahead of Pakistan in terms of talent.
“What we have seen in the recent past with the Indian team, we know how to handle a tough situation and the big occasion as well. As far as the talent is concerned, we are far ahead, especially in one-day cricket,” the 40-year-old said.
Pathan lauds Shami and Axar
Pathan lauded Mohammed Shami who bagged a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh and Axar Patel's spin-bowling. He feels if senior duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli consistently, Team India will be invincible.
“(It was) good to see Mohammed Shami get a fifer. He will get a lot of confidence out of it as well because after injury, coming back on the field, it's not easy especially for fast bowlers (but) he did well,” Pathan said.
“We (India) have good all-round abilities in the team as well. Axar (Patel) is picking up wickets and we have a lot of options as well. Hopefully that momentum will be carried.”
“Shubman (Gill) is in tremendous form and once Rohit (Sharma) and Virat (Kohli) keep scoring runs consistently, this team will be unstoppable,” he added.
India will take on Pakistan on February 23 at Dubai Cricket Association Stadium. Pakistan have won three out of five Champions Trophy games against India.
