Odds on Pakistan reaching finals at the start of Champions Trophy 2017 were near to none. Yet, Pakistan with all their problems have squeezed into the finals to have a serious shot at the title. This is vintage Pakistan. From nowhere they have an uncanny knack of scripting success. And, yet again it was their bowling that led the resurgence. It will have their biggest test though on Sunday when they are up against worlds best batting lineup in a tournament decider. Pakistan have managed to restrict teams like Sri Lanka, South Africa and England to low scores and then chased successfully. To do that against India, Pakistan will have to be at their best.
Pakistan have followed a pattern thus far. Accurate with the new ball. Putting the lid on the scoring rate in the middle overs by taking wickets. Then exhibiting second to none death bowling to keep opposition batters under check. Batting is still an Achilles heel. Bar skipper Sarfaraz in the game against Sri Lanka, senior batsmen have failed to come good. Only Fakhar Zaman has shown the skills to be at par with demands of modern batsmanship. The senior pros will have to come good if Pakistan are to challenge mighty India.
Toss will be crucial. Traditionally Oval is a high scoring pitch. Both teams will want to bowl first but big pressure game might force them to alter their thinking.
India have almost all the boxes ticked. Batting continues to be their pharmacopoeia, the patent they own. Bowling has also come to the party for Virat Kohli led side. They have managed to pick wickets with the new ball and have been mighty effective in middle overs as well. Fielding is ever improving.
For India to win the finals, they will need to do the basics right. They have the men and firepower to challenge Pakistan. In ICC tournaments, they have an upper hand over Pakistan, but the latter would want to change the equation in the all important game.
On paper India have all the aces in batting lineup and Pakistan have a variety in the bowling lineup to challenge the best. Sunday will witness a showdown between the two departments.
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