CT 2017: Finals could be historical record-breaking landmark in the sport, writes Ian Bell

Former English batsman Ian Bell believes that the India v Pakistan finale is perhaps the best thing that could have happened for the sport in the Champions Trophy 2017. The arch rivals are set to lock horns at the Oval for the ultimate glory on Sunday. Bell believes it is fitting end to the tournament considering that England and Australia are not going to be a part of it, as he had ideally wished for.

In a column for ICC, Ian Bell wrote at length about the prospect of the game and how it could potentially be a historic event for cricket. He noted that the fans go berserk when it comes to an India-Pakistan clash. Reportedly, over a billion people are expected to tune in for the big match on Sunday. Back in 2011, close to 988 million people had tuned in for the semi-final encounter between the two sides in the ICC World Cup. Now, the numbers are expected to be broken and that could be a record-breaking number.

“It’s going to be an unbelievable spectacle and I’m sure all us home fans would agree, if it wasn’t going to be England in the final (ideally beating Australia by 10 wickets), the next best thing would be an India vs Pakistan finale. I heard somewhere that they’re anticipating this game could see more than a billion people globally tune in. Let that sink in for a minute. That’s unbelievable!” wrote Ian Bell.

“I’m told 988 million watched the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 semi-final between India and Pakistan in Mohali, and even more tuned in when they met in the group stages of the same event four years later. So, with that in mind, Sunday just got even bigger. It’s not just the ICC Champions Trophy final, which in itself is massive, but it’s also potentially a historical record-breaking landmark in the sport,” he added.

The favorites

Considering the current run of form, the former English batsman believes that the Indians would be the favorites to win it. However, one cannot rule out the Pakistan side considering the way they had upstaged the hosts England in the semi-finals.

“India will be considered the favourite, but like we saw against England, if Pakistan performs to the level we all know it can, it will be very, very close. For me, it comes down to who wins the battle between Pakistan’s bowling and India’s batting. That is the key,” quoted Ian Bell.

The key points

For Pakistan to win the game, the bowlers have to step up. Hasan Ali, the current leading wicket taker in the tournament, will be eyeing a good run in the finals. He will be a key player for the men in green. For team India, it will all be down to their skipper fantastic, Virat Kohli.

Ian Bell rightly pointed out that the top three of the Indian batting is in supreme touch and that makes it very pleasing for the fans. Skipper Virat Kohli not only leads from the front with the bat but also in the field. Bell spoke about how beautifully Kohli used Kedar Jadhav in the semis against Bangladesh.

“If Pakistan bowls like it did against England, it will seriously be in contention. Hassan Ali is on fire and Pakistan will look to him to continue his cracking form with the ball,” said Bell.

“India’s top three have all scored runs through this tournament and most pleasing in their eyes, I’m sure, was to see Virat Kohli showing his class. He’s starting to find his best form at the right time and that’s vital for India’s success. He’s one of the best players in the world and understandably wants to stamp his authority on every game he plays. Pakistan will be desperate to get him out early, not just as a dangerous batsman, but also as a leader. He will lead from the front,” he conceded.