2017 Champions Trophy: Afridi backs Pakistan bowling to fire against India

Former all-rounder says he is excited for the ‘highly entertaining match’

For spectators around the globe, the 2017 Champions Trophy will kick-off from June 1, but fans from Pakistan and India have marked their calendars for June 4 when both arch-rivals clash in their group match and former all-rounder Shahid Afridi is no different.

The 37-year-old is anxiously awaiting the mouth-watering clash and says he is expecting a rousing performance from Pakistan against India.

“We are now just a month away from the biggest cricket match of the year — the mouth-watering India-Pakistan face-off in the ICC Champions Trophy at Edgbaston,” Afridi wrote for International Cricket Council’s (ICC) website. “Like millions of fans around the world, I am also excited about the game and look forward to a highly entertaining match between the two traditional rivals, who have a rich cricketing history between them.”

He added: “The Champions Trophy is the only ICC event where Pakistan have had successes against India. We won the 2004 match at Edgbaston and then the 2009 match at Centurion. I hope the Men in Green deliver a rousing performance at Edgbaston to improve their record against India in global events.”

Afridi, who played 398 ODIs for Pakistan, believes India will have an upper hand in the match but Pakistan bowling line-up can help Sarfraz Ahmed and his men tame the Virat Kohli-led side.

“On the upcoming match in Edgbaston, I really hope that we see a classic Indo-Pak match,” he wrote. “India have the strength as well as the psychological advantage based on their recent performances against us. India are a batting powerhouse brimming with talent, which is well supported by an aggressive and attacking bowling line-up.”

But the former captain is confident.  “I feel Pakistan have a formidable bowling line-up that can challenge the Indian batting, especially in English conditions. As always, it would be a game of nerves and both teams would have to maintain their composure throughout,” he added.