Pakistan good enough to beat India: Razzaq

Former all-rounder thinks match will test captain Sarfraz’s pressure-handling ability

KARACHI: Former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq believes despite the absence of big-hitters, the Pakistan team is good enough to beat India in the June 4 clash at Edgbaston in the 2017 Champions Trophy.

“Pakistan have a good enough team to field against India and although they are missing some power-hitters like Sharjeel Khan and Umar Akmal, Sarfraz’s [Ahmed] team can still beat them,” former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq told The Express Tribune.

“The team has some good batsmen such as Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Azhar Ali, Ahmad Shahzad, Imad Wasim and also Sarfraz who can help Pakistan score decent totals,” he added. “They will have to survive the new ball and the responsibility lies on the shoulder of Azhar to give Pakistan a good start.”

Razzaq then identified Imad as the match-winner for Pakistan in the tournament. “Imad has the required experience and can turn the match in favour of Pakistan,” said the 37-year-old.

The veteran of 265 ODIs said that Pakistan will have to learn to not crack under pressure. “The team has the ability all they need to do is tailor the situation in their favour and react better when they play the pressure match against India,” he said. “The more concentrated they are on the goal of beating India the more easier it will be to control their nerves.”

Pakistan have a strong bowling unit: Jalaluddin

Throughout Pakistan’s cricketing history, bowlers have usually guided the team to victories and former fast-bowler Jalaluddin thinks they will once again have an important role to play.

“Hasan Ali, who is well known for his pacer variation, can baffle the Indian batting line-up,” he said. “Moreover, Muhammad Aamir has helped Pakistan win on several occasions and will make a big difference. Junaid Khan, who has returned after injury bowled really well in the warm-up match, has a good record against India and will surely use his swing to make the difference,” he added.

Meanwhile Jalaluddin warned that India will target the young leggie Shadab Khan and team management needs to give him confidence. “The team management has to use the young bowler in the right situation and also warn him about the pressure if they play him against India,” he said. “They need to make him aware of Indian batsmen’s prowess against spin and help him go in with a strong mind.”

Pakistan have beaten India two of the three times the teams have faced each other in the Champions Trophy. Pakistan have reached the semi-final of the tournament twice, in 2004 and 2009, but have never made it to the final.