The hype around the high-voltage clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 is palpable. All eyes on the India versus Pakistan's encounter, which is dubbed as the 'mother of all clashes' will be held on February 23 at the Dubai International stadium.
More than just a game, it's an emotional battleground for fans, where victory holds a significance often surpassing even winning the tournament. Sadly, these epic encounters are now largely confined to ICC events and the Asia Cup, making each clash even more highly anticipated.
Harbhajan Singh wants India to be wary of Fakhar Zaman
Meanwhile, India's spin legend Harbhajan Singh has played down all the hype around the India versus Pakistan's clash. He said that India vs Pakistan matches are overhyped. He pointed to a perceived difference in quality between the two sides, predicting a one-sided affair. However, he did mentioned that one Pakistan's player who has the potential to swing the game in Pakistan's favour. The Turbanator said that Fakhar Zaman can take the game away from India in the upcoming eight-team tournament.
"India and Pakistan. You heard it right-this is an overhyped match between India and Pakistan. Because there is nothing in it," Harbhajan Singh said on a YouTube show.
"Look at their main batters. Their star batter is Babar Azam. His average against India is 31. If you are a top batter, you have to average around 50. Then, there is Rizwan. I like him as a player. He plays freely. But his average against India is 25. Fakhar Zaman, their only full-time opener, has an average of 46. It's a good average. Fakhar can take the game away from India," he added.
"Faheem Ashraf averages 12.5! I don't think he will be a big threat. Saud Shakeel has an average of 8 against India. Looking at their batting line-up, I don't get the confidence that this team will even fight," Harbhajan further said.
India enter the Champions Trophy on a high, having just completed a dominant 3-0 series sweep against England. Their confidence will undoubtedly be boosted by this convincing performance. On the other hand, Pakistan's preparations for the tournament have been less than ideal, as they suffered two consecutive losses to New Zealand in the recent Tri-Nation series. They lost the Tri-Nation series final to New Zealand.
Adding to Pakistan's woes, Harbhajan has publicly backed New Zealand to defeat Pakistan in their encounter before the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash.
"Recently, India hammered England at home. On the other hand, Pakistan lost to New Zealand in a tri-series at home. Keep in mind, New Zealand will play the first match against Pakistan. I think New Zealand will hammer Pakistan once again. Because, New Zealand seem to have understood the conditions and tactics," Harbhajan stated.
"India are way ahead at this stage. I think it will be a one-sided game. It's an overhyped contest. Yes, the tickets have been prized high. But, I don't think we will get a lot of fun watching this one-sided match," he concluded.