Follow UsIt is hard to believe that after the first two matches in the group stage of the Champions Trophy, someone would favour Pakistan in front of India. However, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh feels that Pakistan have the advantage despite losing their first game to New Zealand.
The two arch-rivals will go head-to-head on February 23 (Sunday) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. India have already defeated Bangladesh at the same venue and Pakistan, despite being host of the tournament, will have to travel to Dubai to take on India.
“I think Pakistan have an advantage because they have a base in Dubai. They have played a lot of cricket there and understand the conditions well,” Yuvraj said in a video by JioHotstar.
Earlier, in another video, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi said that India will have the advantage since they have more match winners.
Further stressing his point, Yuvraj added, “On slower wickets, Indian and Pakistani players are among the best who have always played spin well. You talk about match-winners.”
Agreeing with Afridi that India do have more match-winners, Yuvraj said that it does not necessarily mean that India will have a clear advantage.
“I believe that even if Pakistan has fewer match-winners, one player can still take the game away. The India-Pakistan clash is not about match-winners alone; it’s about playing at the moment, adapting to the situation, and not letting expectations overwhelm you,” said the 43-year-old.