The anticipation surrounding the India-Pakistan match in the Champions Trophy 2025 is palpable. Despite the efforts of players from both teams to minimize the significance of the encounter by labelling it as "just another match," the external excitement continues to escalate as the date approaches. In a recent television discussion prior to the highly anticipated game on Sunday, February 23, at the Dubai International Stadium, former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi expressed differing views.

Afridi, who has participated in numerous India-Pakistan contests, remarked that Pakistan currently appears to be at a disadvantage compared to India, citing a lack of match-winners in their lineup reminiscent of those from his playing era.

"When discussing match-winners, it is evident that India possesses a greater number than Pakistan. A true match-winner is someone capable of turning the game around single-handedly. At present, we lack such players in Pakistan," Afridi stated during a special segment of JioHotstar’s Greatest Rivalry Returns.

The record holder for the most sixes in One Day Internationals emphasized that India's strength lies in its middle order, which has consistently delivered victories, a stark contrast to the situation in Pakistan.

"India's advantage is found in its middle and lower order, which has been pivotal in securing wins. We have been providing opportunities to various players for an extended period, yet none have consistently risen to the occasion. While some have shown promise in isolated matches, we do not have individuals who can maintain high performance over a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches. This is where we fall short compared to India, which excels in this domain. However, the key to overcoming India lies in a collective team effort—every player's contribution, whether from batsmen, bowlers, or spinners, is essential," he concluded.

‘Pakistan has the edge,’ says Yuvraj

Yuvraj Singh expressed a differing opinion from Afridi regarding the competitive edge in their upcoming match. He asserted that Pakistan possesses an advantage due to their extensive experience playing in Dubai, where they have conducted their home matches for over a decade during the international cricket hiatus in Pakistan.

"I genuinely believe that Pakistan has an upper hand because they have established a strong presence in Dubai. Their familiarity with the local conditions, having played numerous matches there, is significant. Both Indian and Pakistani players excel on slower pitches, particularly in handling spin," Yuvraj remarked.

The 2011 ODI World Cup Player of the Tournament and the only Indian cricketer to hit six sixes in an over acknowledged Afridi's assertion regarding match-winners.

"Regarding match-winners, I concur with Shahid Afridi that we may have a greater number. However, I maintain that even with fewer match-winners, a single player from Pakistan can turn the game around. The India-Pakistan rivalry transcends mere match-winners; it hinges on seizing the moment, adjusting to the circumstances, and managing expectations effectively. The team that excels in these aspects will emerge victorious for their nation," Yuvraj stated.

In the Champions Trophy, India and Pakistan commenced their campaigns with contrasting results. Pakistan faced a defeat against New Zealand by 60 runs in Karachi, while India secured a victory over Bangladesh by six wickets in Dubai. Should Pakistan fail to overcome India on Sunday, their chances of advancing in the tournament will be severely diminished.

Read Also: Haris Rauf Stirs the Past Before Champions Trophy: ‘Pakistan Will Seek a Repeat’

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