The most recent encounter between India and Pakistan in an ICC tournament at the Dubai International Stadium marked a significant moment in cricket history. After a span of 29 years, Pakistan triumphed over India in a World Cup match, decisively winning by 10 wickets during the 2021 T20 World Cup Group stage. Since that event, India has managed to secure victories against Pakistan in three additional World Cup matches. Nevertheless, the prospect of these two teams facing each other, particularly in the UAE, continues to evoke a sense of anxiety among Indian fans.

To mitigate any potential setbacks against Pakistan, the Indian management is meticulously preparing for the challenge. Shaheen Afridi has consistently posed a threat to the Indian batting lineup, prompting Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to enlist the assistance of a left-arm pacer from the UAE. In their previous encounter in Dubai four years ago, Shaheen caused significant disruption, dismissing Rohit for a golden duck, KL Rahul for just one run, and Kohli for 57. Additionally, during the 2023 Asia Cup, Shaheen recorded impressive figures of 4/35, although that match concluded in a draw.

With no margin for error, India is striving to stay ahead of their rivals in anticipation of the upcoming Champions Trophy match on Sunday. A domestic bowler with ties to Pakistan is aiding Kohli and Rohit in their preparations.

"My name is Awais Ahmad, and I am a domestic cricketer in the UAE specializing in left-arm fast bowling. I have represented 7 District in the UAE for three seasons. I have a connection to Pakistan, as I hail from the same district as Naseem Shah – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Our coach received a message indicating the need for a left-arm fast bowler, and he informed me that I would be bowling to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. I am extremely excited about this opportunity," he shared with SportsYaari.

"Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma reached out to me specifically because they will be facing Shaheen Afridi on Sunday. I can deliver both in-swing and out-swing deliveries, and I hope to challenge them effectively, aiming for either LBW or bowled dismissals. They are accomplished players who operate at an elite level, and I recognize that I have much to learn from them."

India can't endure a repeat of the 2021 T20 World Cup

The parallels between India's Champions Trophy campaign and the 2021 T20 World Cup are striking. In both instances, India found themselves in the same group as Pakistan and New Zealand, suffering early defeats to both teams that nearly led to their elimination. This marked the first occasion since the 2012 World Cup that India did not advance to the semi-finals of an ICC tournament.

On a positive note, India and Pakistan have faced each other five times since then, with Rohit Sharma's squad holding a 4-1 advantage. Although Jasprit Bumrah's absence is notable, India is expected to be the favorite, especially following their recent 3-0 victory over England at home. However, Pakistan, having finished as the runner-up in the tri-series, should not be underestimated.

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