Synopsis
Khushdil Shah from Pakistan believes that despite India's strength, they can be beaten if Pakistan performs at their best during the Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai. He urges fans to continue supporting the team despite a poor start.Key Takeaways
- Khushdil Shah acknowledges India as a tough opponent.
- Pakistan must bring their A game to win.
- Historically, Pakistan has bested India in some Champions Trophy matches.
- The team that manages pressure effectively is likely to win.
- Support from fans is crucial for the team’s morale.
Mumbai, Feb 21 (NationPress) Pakistan allrounder Khushdil Shah acknowledged that India is a strong competitor, yet emphasized that Pakistan has a chance to defeat them if they showcase their A game during the pivotal match in the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
This match is critical for Pakistan, who suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their initial game in Karachi. Conversely, India triumphed over Bangladesh by six wickets in their opening encounter.
A defeat in Sunday’s game could push Mohammad Rizwan's team to the edge of elimination in the four-team group, where only two teams will advance to the knockout semifinals.
Khushdil acknowledged India's strong performance, stating, “India has a strong team, but every team can be defeated. If we bring our A game, we can overcome India. There is belief among us, and with belief, we can achieve great things,” he was quoted as saying by TelecomAsia.
Historically, Pakistan has emerged victorious against India in three out of five meetings during previous Champions Trophy tournaments, winning in 2004 in the UK, 2009 in South Africa, and the final at The Oval in 2017.
In general, India has maintained dominance in their head-to-head matchups, particularly in ICC events, often besting Pakistan in the 50-over World Cup.
Khushdil expressed that the team capable of managing pressure during such encounters tends to win. “The entire world tunes in when India and Pakistan clash. Success often goes to the team that handles pressure effectively, and we are used to that,” he said.
He encouraged fans to support Pakistan despite the rocky start in the tournament. “Although we lost one match, we are still in contention. We can defeat India if we perform well, so don’t write us off just yet.”
Khushdil is in excellent form, having fought valiantly against New Zealand, scoring a remarkable 69 runs off 49 balls, including ten boundaries and one six, becoming the second Pakistan player, after Babar Azam (64), to score a half-century in that match.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment he has received from former players, the media, and fans regarding his unexpected selection for the Champions Trophy, stating, “Even I am unsure how I was selected.”
The selections of Khushdil and Faheem Ashraf for the ODI Tri-series and the Champions Trophy based on their performances in the Bangladesh Premier League faced significant backlash, with former captain Rashid Latif labeling it a “political selection.” As a result, Khushdil has encountered hostility from home crowds every time he steps onto the field and lamented the fans for shouting at him.
“It hurts when the crowd insults and criticizes you. However, I’ve become accustomed to it. I now embrace it and encourage them to shout more, as I can manage it well,” he said.
“People often overlook the struggles and hard work a cricketer endures to reach the level of national selection. They should show respect for a player,” the 30-year-old reflected.
