Basit Ali predicts India as the favorite against Pakistan for the Champions Trophy match on February 23 in Dubai. He cites India’s experience as a key factor, offering a 70% win chance for India compared to 30% for Pakistan. Both teams are preparing through ODIs, with India facing England and Pakistan in a tri-series with South Africa and New Zealand.
Basit Ali, a former cricketer, predicts India will emerge victorious against Pakistan in the highly anticipated Champions Trophy clash scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. Historically, Pakistan leads their rivalry, winning three out of five encounters in the Champions Trophy. However, Ali emphasizes India’s superior experience in the squad, giving them a greater likelihood of success, suggesting a 70% chance for India and 30% for Pakistan.
The teams’ last face-off in the Champions Trophy was in 2017, where Pakistan secured a remarkable 180-run victory in the final. Ahead of the tournament, both teams will compete in One Day Internationals (ODIs) to refine their skills. India will play a three-match ODI series against England, starting in Nagpur on February 9, followed by games in Cuttack and Ahmedabad.
Meanwhile, Pakistan prepares for the Champions Trophy by participating in a tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand. The series commences with a match against New Zealand on February 8 at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by a match against South Africa, ensuring both teams are ready for the upcoming tournament.
The Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy includes prominent players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Fakhar Zaman. India’s lineup features captain Rohit Sharma, star batsman Virat Kohli, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The tournament will comprise 15 matches played between Pakistan and Dubai, concluding with a final to determine the champion.
The Champions Trophy is a significant tournament in cricket, featuring teams from around the world. The intense rivalry between India and Pakistan adds an extra layer of excitement to their matches, attracting fans and generating buzz. Both teams have rich cricketing histories, making their encounters critical not only for players but also for their nations.
In conclusion, Basit Ali’s prediction favors India due to their extensive experience in the squad, despite Pakistan’s historical advantage in the Champions Trophy encounters. As both teams set out to prepare for the tournament, the imminent ODIs will play a crucial role in shaping their strategies and form ahead of the high-stakes match in Dubai.
Original Source: www.lokmattimes.com