New Delhi: The Champions Trophy final is expected to be a high-voltage encounter as arch-rivals India and Pakistan battle out in the title decider at the Oval on Sunday.
India enter the contest as favourites but skipper Virat Kohli believes Pakistan are high on confidence and have bounced back well to reach the final stage of the tournament despite not having an ideal start to their campaign.
“Both teams obviously have played well to be in the finals and I’m sure every player is going to come out and give their 120 percent and if 11 players from both sides end up doing that it’s going to be an exciting encounter.”
Since their defeat to India in the tournament opener, Pakistan have displayed impressive performance and are unbeaten in past 3 matches. It is also worth to mention that Sarfraz Ahmed’s men knocked out hosts England in the semi-final 1to book their place in the decider.
Virat Kohli hinted India will take the field with the same squad that thrashed Bangladesh by 9 wickets in the semi-final on Thursday.
“Not looking to change too many things because back a guy Like Hardik, who provides you so much balance in condition that where he can be effective as a bowler and his batting is priceless. When you are chasing a total and you need 8 runs per over and have lost wickets, he is a guy who still when you the match. So I’m not looking change anything at this particular stage” said Kohli to defend Pandya’s place in the starting XI.
India and Pakistan face-off for the first time in the finals of an ICC event since World Cup T20 in 2007, which saw India beat Pakistan to clinch the title.