04-Feb-2025, 03:03 PM
Basit Ali, the former Pakistani cricketer, has made bold predictions regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan, scheduled for February 23, 2025. His insights come in light of Pakistan’s recent squad announcement and their preparations leading up to the tournament. Ali has expressed skepticism about Pakistan’s chances of defending their title, stating on his YouTube channel that he does not believe they will reach the final this year. He emphasized that if they do, credit should go to the selectors rather than the players themselves.
Key Players’ Performance
Ali highlighted the critical roles of Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan in determining Pakistan’s success in the tournament. He stressed that at least one of these players needs to score a century in each match for Pakistan to have a fighting chance. The pressure is particularly high on Babar Azam, who is expected to open the batting alongside Fakhar Zaman following the injury of Saim Ayub. Ali noted that Babar’s performance will be crucial, suggesting that his position in the team remains secure regardless of his output during the tournament.
Preparation and Challenges
Pakistan will enter the Champions Trophy after participating in a tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand, which begins on February 8. This series is seen as an essential opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum ahead of the tournament opener against New Zealand. Ali’s remarks reflect a broader concern among fans and analysts regarding Pakistan’s ability to compete against strong teams like India and Australia.
India vs. Pakistan Showdown
As anticipation builds for the India-Pakistan clash, Ali’s predictions add an intriguing layer to the rivalry. While he acknowledges that India is a formidable opponent, he also notes that Pakistan has historically performed well against them in high-stakes matches. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has also weighed in, suggesting that Pakistan could pose a significant threat to both India and Australia during the tournament.
