Well-balanced India favourites against Pakistan: Afridi

TIL Desk Sports/ Flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi says a well-balanced India holds the edge over Pakistan in the marquee clash of the Champions Trophy on Sunday. “As a passionate Pakistan supporter, it’s natural that I would want my team to finish on the winning side against any team, and especially against India.

“However, recent history and the depth of the India squad gives it a slight edge heading into the game,” Afridi wrote in a column for the ICC. Afridi says Pakistani bowlers will have to bring their A game to the field against a formidable Indian batting unit led by captain and star batsman Virat Kohli.

“Led by Virat Kohli, the Indians possess a formidable batting line-up that can flay any bowling attack on its day,” he said. “Kohli’s credentials as a top-order batsman are known to all and he has played some memorable innings in the ODI format.

“I have vivid memories of his sublime century against us in the 2012 Asia Cup, while he was at his absolute best in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 clash at Adelaide, laying the foundation of an Indian win with a masterful hundred.