Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi reckons that Rohit Sharma-led side hold the edge over Mohammed Rizwan-led side ahead of high voltage India vs Pakistan clash of Champions Trophy 2025. Shahid believes that India have more match winners as compared to Pakistan. Team India will face Pakistan in their second league game which will take place at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on February 23.
However, in the Champions Trophy, India and Pakistan have faced each other five times and the Men in Green held the edge by defeating Team India three times. Their wins came in 2004 in the United Kingdom, 2009 in South Africa and in 2017 final at The Oval in London.
"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't have such players in Pakistan. India's strength lies in its middle and lower order, which has been winning them matches."
Afridi believes that Pakistan has been giving opportunities to players but they are still looking for a consistent performer who can sustain performance across 50-60 matches.
"For 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't have players who have sustained their performance for a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches."
"That's 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-whether it's the batsmen, bowlers, or spinners-everyone's contribution is crucial," said Afridi on JioHotstar.
Pakistan have already lost their first league match and their upcoming clash against India will be a do-or-die clash for the Champions Trophy 2025 hosts.