We are weaker compared to India, we don't have players who have sustained performances: Shahid Afridi

India and Pakistan will square off in Match 5 of the 2025 Champions Trophy in a high-octane clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

Former Pakistani skipper, Shahid Afridi, feels the current setup of India had more match-winners as compared to Pakistan. He also shed light where India's biggest strength lay. He highlighted that for Pakistan to emerge victorious, contributions from each individual in the XI would be required.

"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. For a long time, we have been giving opportunities to players, but no one has stepped up consistently," Afridi said on JioHotstar.

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 batters, bowlers, or spinners - everyone’s contribution is crucial," he added.

Also Read: 'Shahid Afridi welcomed me with a lot of ‘kind words’' - Yuvraj Singh recalls his first India vs Pakistan match in 2003

It’s about playing in the moment, adapting to the situation: Yuvraj

Speaking on the same show, former Indian great, Yuvraj Singh, reckoned that Pakistan held the edge as their squad is better habituated to the conditions in Dubai. 

"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. You talk about match-winners - yes, 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.

"The India-Pakistan clash is not about match-winners alone; it’s 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," noted Yuvraj.

Meanwhile, the two sides got off to contrasting starts in the Champions Trophy 2025. While Pakistan failed to get track down New Zealand's 321-run target, India eased through to a six-wicket victory against Bangladesh. Nonetheless, the hype for the eagerly-anticipated event remains as it is, and the game on Sunday promises to be a highly entertaining one.