“India are definitely favourite”: Another ex-Pakistan star concedes defeat before IND vs PAK

by · Inside Sport India

After Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik has picked India as the favourite to reign supreme over Pakistan in their Champions Trophy clash

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik has picked India as the favourite over Pakistan in the IND vs PAK Champions Trophy clash. His remarks come a day after Shahid Afridi had admitted that Rizwan and co. were weaker as the Men in Blue had more match-winners compared to the former. The arch-rivals will lock horns at the Dubai International Stadium at 2.30 PM IST on Sunday.

Malik picks India over Pakistan as winners of marquee clash

In an interview with RevSportz, Malik pointed out that contributions will have to come in from all quarters of the Pakistan team in order to beat India. He explained that individual brilliance will not work in ODIs, adding that at least three-four players, including two batters and bowlers, to perform well.

“I would say definitely India is favourite for tomorrow’s game. On the other side, if you look at this particular venue, one hundred from any Pakistan batter can take you to a good total. The venue is as such that any total above 270 can be defended. We need someone who can score runs or bowls a good spell. That can change the result,” Malik said.

Latest news

“If we talk about match-winners, I’d say that India has more match-winners compared to Pakistan. A match-winner is someone who knows how to win the game single-handedly. Right now, we don’t have such players in Pakistan. India’s strength lies in its middle and lower order, which has been winning them matches. For a long time, we have been giving opportunities to players, but no one has stepped up consistently. Some have performed in a few games, but we don’t have players who have sustained their performance for a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches. That’s where we are a little weaker compared to India,” Afridi had said earlier.