Favourites India in big clash take on Pak today

Mangalore Today News Network

June 18, 2017: The adrenaline runs high and spirits soar  - Champions Trophy cricket final here between arch rivals India and Pakistan is sure to bring the two countries to a standstill on Sunday.

It is a match made in heaven. An India-Pakistan cricket contest is big enough, but a final as big as this one will be watched even more fervently in the sub-continent.

Ever since India and Pakistan crashed out in the group stage of the 2007 World Cup, robbing the world of a potential Super 8 Stage clash, conscious decision has been made by the ICC to try and slot the two arch-rivals in the same group in global events. Prior to this Champions Trophy, both India and Pakistan were pitted together in the same group in three events — 2013 Champions Trophy, 2015 World Cup and 2016 World T20. When the draw for this event was made, the fixture that garnered the most attention was between India and Pakistan, even putting the England vs Australia or Australia vs New Zealand contests to shade.

Little did ICC imagine that they would be gifted with an India-Pakistan final, a battle that is still the biggest in cricket despite the one-sided nature of the contests in favour of India in recent times.

The buzz for the final has been immense in England, too, where there is a large population from both the nations. Tickets have been sold out much in advance with some fans selling them in the black market for astronomical prices.

India, pre-tournament favourites, has been in sensational form and would be looking to create history by becoming the first team to win three Champions Trophy titles.

They have won nine of the last 10 Champions Trophy games and have a wonderful all-round squad to achieve the feat. Pakistan, however, will be looking to continue their sizzling run and dethrone India.

From appearing ordinary at the start to beating hosts England in the semifinals, Pakistan has gathered pace slowly and looks dangerous.

Indians are aware of the threat Pakistan poses and would look to put their best foot forward again.

Pak skipper’s uncle prays for India’s win : Pakistan cricket team captain Sarfraz Ahmed may have his entire country behind him in today Sunday’s encounter with arch rival India in the Champions Trophy, but one of his relatives in Uttar Pradesh is praying for India. Ahmed’s maternal uncle Mehboob Hasan, who lives in Uttar Pradesh’s Etawah town,  and his family will root for India during the match to be played at the London Oval today June 18, Sunday.

Mehboob, who works as a senior clerk in a government agriculture college in the town, said that he wanted Ahmed to play well, but would like his country to win the match.  “Sarfraz is a good player. I want him to play well, but I want India to emerge victorious,” he said in Etawah.  An avid cricket lover, Mehboob said that the Indian team was playing its best cricket at present. “Indian team is at its peak now. Almost all the players are playing well. I think India should be able to win Sunday’s match easily,” he added.

Hasan and his family have been praying for India’s win. “Our prayers were answered last time (India-Pakistan opener in the Champions Trophy). We are sure they will be answered this time also,” he added. Hasan came down heavily on those who lived India, but rooted for Pakistan cricket team.