CT 2017: Biggest challenge for Pakistan is combatting Indian batting, says Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistani skipper Shahid Afridi is very excited for the big final game between India and Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. This will be the second time that the two sides will be locking horns in the competition this year. When the sides had last met in the group stages, it was team India that had beaten the Pakistani side by 124 runs.

Needless to say, the hype around the game is huge considering the way Pakistan side has resurged. Shahid Afridi, in a column for cricket.com.au, wrote at length about his expectations from the big game. He rightly noted that not many had backed the chances of the Pakistani team in the finals after they had lost their first game against India.

“I am not sure how many people tipped the two arch-rivals to clash in the final, especially after the one-sided defeat Pakistan had to endure in its opening match in Birmingham. But the unpredictability and never-say-die spirit of Pakistan cricket is here for all of us to celebrate again as we all await with bated breaths for what promises to be an epic clash at The Oval in London,” quoted Shahid Afridi.

Sarfraz’s golden opportunity

He mentioned that the game is a golden opportunity for skipper Sarfraz Ahmed to create something magical. If he manages to win the game for the Pakistani team, he will find his name etched with golden colors in cricket history. He showered praises on the abilities of Sarfraz as a leader and commended his wholehearted decision making nature. He added that in big finals, it is of utmost importance to have clarity of thoughts, which Sarfraz possesses.

“Before I dwell on Pakistan’s strategy for the big match, I want to say that the final has given Sarfraz a God given opportunity of leaving a lasting legacy. The feisty wicketkeeper batsman is still learning the art of captaincy, yet has grown in stature as leader in every game this tournament. My advice to Sarfraz for the final is simple – take all decisions wholeheartedly and without any fear whatsoever,” quoted Afridi.

“In big games, you need captains to have a clear mind since they are the ones who have to steer the ship. Sarfraz needs to back his own abilities to the hilt since a confused or timid approach can hurt the team and dampen the chances of success,” he added.

On Pakistan opening

Speaking further about Pakistani team, Shahid Afridi expressed his happiness over the new found opening duo of Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali. He mentioned that Azhar provides the calming influence at the crease and Fakhar takes the attack on the opposition. If the middle-order starts clicking, things could align perfectly for Pakistan.

“I am heartened by Pakistan’s opening partnership of Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali. The two have done a fantastic job for the team at the start of the innings and one more partnership of substance can give the side the required momentum for a possible victory,” wrote the former cricketer.

Pakistan’s biggest challenge

Talking about the challenges that lie ahead, Afridi pointed out that combatting the Indian batting would be the biggest task for Pakistan in the big game. He noted that the likes of Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh are proven match winners. Also, the middle-order looks in fine nick with MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya in the ranks.

“Meanwhile, the biggest challenge for Pakistan I believe is combatting the Indian batting line-up. Virat Kohli’s team has already proved its credentials as the best batting unit in the tournament. Its top-order is in great nick and it has a powerful trio of MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Hardik Pandya in the middle-order,” conceded Shahid Afridi.

Final words

His final remarks on the game spoke about the bigger picture. He rightly pointed out that cricket can be a good source of bringing the two nations together. He is expecting a fighting contest on display and hopes to see a result in the favor of his country.

“Cricket can be an actual source of bringing the two nations together and reducing the tensions. I, like the rest of the world, can’t wait for the match to start. Let us hope that we see a game of epic proportions that is remembered for a long, long time,” concluded Afridi.