Sport Trading 
Predictions 
Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi pointed out a key difference between India and Pakistan’s mindset during the game. Afridi feels this gulf played a key role in helping the Men in Blue prevail over the hosts in the Champions Trophy clash in Dubai on Sunday (February 23).
Notably, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat in a high-stakes clash. Saud Shakeel (62) was the top-scorer for the side, as they managed to post a below-par total of 241. Thereafter, Virat Kohli (100*) was the finest batter for the Indian side to seal the chase under 43 overs.
The win helped the Indian team to qualify for the semifinals, while Pakistan continued their horror run in the ICC events. It is worth noting that after Pakistan played the 2022 T20 World Cup final, they have not been able to qualify for top four in the next three ICC events.
In an interaction with Telecom Asia Sport, Afridi slammed the Pakistan team’s lack of intent and their approach to the game. H feels the hosts failed to execute their plans and are playing outdated cricket, which will not bear them fruit against top quality oppositions.
“Both the teams had a big gulf in their approach and execution. While India’s mindset was brave and strong, Pakistan’s was not strong and that played a key role when you come into a big match like this.”
He added:
“In 2025 Pakistan is playing 1980-1990s cricket which is ridiculous. We have to improve in all three departments of the game if we have to top the rankings or compete at the top level with teams like Australia, India, South Africa etc.”
Shahid Afridi feels Pakistan should have selected genuine spinner in Champions Trophy squad
Shahid Afridi also noted that Pakistan required a genuine spinner in subcontinent conditions to dominate the opposition in the Champions Trophy. Notably, the Men in Green trusted the abilities of mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, who doesn’t generally has the ability to turn the ball. Meanwhile, the squad also comprised part-timers Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha, who many now feel don’t have skills to put a batter like Virat Kohli in a spot of bother.
During the aforementioned interaction, Afridi said:
“You know fast bowlers struggle in these conditions especially when the subcontinent needs spinners. Spinners have a bigger role so there should have been another genuine spinner. Then we did not know who would open. These should have been done well before the event.”
Pakistan’s final group stage clash against Bangladesh will take place on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
