The lop-sided nature of arguably cricket’s fiercest rivalry in recent years notwithstanding, emotions in both countries will run high when India and Pakistan clash in a Champions Trophy blockbuster in Dubai on Sunday.
India prevailed in seven of the eight completed ODIs in the last decade against rivals they play only in multi-team events because of a strained political relationship between the two countries.
India, who refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy citing government advice, will be playing all their matches in Dubai and kicked off their Group A campaign with a six-wicket victory against Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s title defence, meanwhile, look in disarray after their comprehensive defeat by New Zealand and the team led by Mohammed Rizwan need a drastic turnaround against Rohit Sharma’s India.
Hype has built around the match but India vice captain Shubman Gill sought to underplay it.
“It doesn’t change anything for us, honestly,” the opener, who smashed a match-winning hundred against Bangladesh, told reporters on Saturday. “We play every match to win the match and this is no different for us.”
“India-Pakistan has a long history. It’s an exciting contest when both these teams play. Everyone enjoys watching it.”
India arrived without Jasprit Bumrah but did not miss their pace spearhead as Mohammed Shami claimed five wickets against Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s batting mainstay Babar Azam drew flak for lacking intent even though he managed a fifty against New Zealand. Fellow opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering an during that match.
“It is a big match, but I think the biggest match would obviously be the final,” Gill said.
“By no means we are going to take them as a lesser side. I think they have got a good side and it is important for us to bring our A game tomorrow.”
Pakistan coach Aaqib Javed on Saturday said his fast bowlers are “match-winners” and will pull out something special against arch-rivals India in their pivotal Champions Trophy clash.
