Pakistan, India is set to high stakes collisions at CT today

The setting is set for an emotional encounter as Pakistan and India prepare to face off in the important Champions Trophy match held in Dubai on Sunday (today). The green shirt is forced to host home equipment at a neutral venue as India refuses to play in Pakistan.

Pakistan enters a high pressure match after losing 60 times to New Zealand on Wednesday, and is concerned about both batting and bowling performances. In addition to their troubles, Fakar Zaman has been ruled out due to injuries, paving the way for Imamul Hak to open up along with Babar Azam. While teams need to deal with the struggle against dotball, bowlers face the challenge of limiting runs in death overs.

Leading to the expected conflict, Babar Azam skipped the optional practice session, but several bowlers chose to rest. Other players participated in light training under floodlights at Dubai Ricket Stadium, which included catching drills and casual soccer matches.

Pakistan’s bowling attack has been fighting New Zealand, particularly in the closure over, allowing the Kiwi to post 320 runs. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf did not meet expectations, but Spinner Abrar Ahmed was able to contain the run, but only secured one wicket.

There appears to be a change in Pakistan’s bowling lineup against India, with Kushdir Shah and Salman Ali Aga expected to provide part-time spin support.

On the batting front, Saud Shakeel failed in excitement and took additional responsibility for Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha. Khushdil Shah contributed 69 runs in his first match despite his bowling struggle, proving his low value. Pakistan played 162 dots of ball against New Zealand. This is an issue that needs to be fixed in order to post competitive totals.

Head coach Aaqib Javed acknowledged the pressure of the India-Pakistan clash and said the strength remains high even without the crowd. “Players have the opportunity to create their own names in high stake matches like this,” he said.

He dismissed concerns that India’s early arrival in Dubai would provide them with benefits, and emphasized that Pakistani players are also used to the conditions.

Meanwhile, India enters the contest with confidence after securing a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Outstanding Shubman Gill recently destroyed a century against Bangladesh, but Rohit Sharma has also regained his touch. However, Virat Kohli has yet to rediscover his best form, but he has worked well against Pakistan in the past.

The Indian batting lineup remains formidable, with Shreyas Iyer, Aqua Patel and KL Laal providing depth. Their bowling attacks are equally strong, with Mohammed Shami already making a statement by taking five wickets in the previous match. Harshal Patel and Hardik Pandya lead the pace attacks, but India also boasts a range of spin options.

Gill said scores between 300 and 325 are very competitive in Dubai, emphasizing that the lack of dew would be more challenging.

With all match tickets sold out and a packed stadium expected, there’s an atmosphere in the high-intensity battle between cricket’s fierce rivals.