ANI
16 Feb 2025, 21:27 GMT+10
New Delhi [India], February 16 (ANI): While dropping his prediction, former spinner Harbhajan Singh has cautioned fans not to expect much entertainment in the blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan in the upcoming Champions Trophy on February 23.
The tension and atmosphere are entirely different when the arch-rivals appear on the same field in search of glory. After playing out a nerve-wracking thriller in the T20 World Cup 2024 group stage, India and Pakistan will add a new chapter in their cut-throat rivalry on February 23 in Dubai.
India and Pakistan's last encounter in the Champions Trophy dates back to the 2017 final at The Oval. With Sarfaraz Ahmed at the helm, Pakistan lifted its maiden Champions Trophy title with an emphatic 180-run triumph over its bitter rival.
But this time, Harbhajan doesn't expect the 'overhyped' match to go right down to the wire, considering the massive gap between the two sides.
'We will discuss the overhyped match between India and Pakistan. Yes, it is overhyped because there is nothing in it. India is a strong team. Pakistan is inconsistent. If you compare the numbers with the Indian team, the picture will become clear,' Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
During the buildup of the marquee event, India will enter the tournament with a scorching form. Days before the Champions Trophy, the Rohit Sharma-led side sweeped the ODI series away with a 3-0 win over England.
On the other hand, Pakistan, on their home turf, lost the ODI Tri-nation series against South Africa and New Zealand. The hosts comprehensively lost the first game against the Kiwis but found their rhythm by chasing down a record 353-run target against South Africa in Karachi.
In the final, New Zealand edged out the Men in Green without breaking a sweat, establishing their supremacy before playing the tournament opener against Pakistan on Wednesday.
For Harbhajan, the difference in the form that both sides have boasted before the tournament proves to be a reason for India's success in their upcoming encounter against Pakistan.
'I think the Pakistan team is undercooked. Apart from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, there are not many batters. I feel it will be a one-sided game. I don't think there will be much entertainment. I think in this contest, India is far ahead,' he added. (ANI)
Get a daily dose of Africa Leader news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Africa Leader.
More InformationLOS ANGELES, California: Two crew members ejected from a Navy jet before it crashed into the ocean near San Diego this week. A sportfishing...
GENEVA, Switzerland: The World Health Organization is pushing for bold, tobacco-style warning labels on alcoholic beverages across...
BOSTON, Massachusetts: A U.S. judge has ruled that a Turkish author and her son can be sent back to Turkey to face charges. The son...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: The New York State Department of Health has confirmed its first case of a new mpox strain, increasing concerns...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: NASA changed the astronaut capsule for its next routine flight to the International Space Station (ISS). This change...
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has changed the name of the Army base Fort Liberty back to its original...
London, UK - Monday's trading session ended with a diverse range of performances across global markets, as major indices posted modest...
SAVANNAH, Georgia: The Port of Brunswick became the top U.S. seaport for automobiles in 2024, growing rapidly and surpassing the Port...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Igloo is recalling over a million of its rolling coolers across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada after reports...
BEIJING, China: China's coal power expansion surged in 2024, with nearly 100 gigawatts of new coal plant capacity breaking ground—the...
TOKYO, Japan: Nissan is bracing for a steep financial loss as it scraps plans for a business integration with Honda, the company announced...
LONDON, U.K.: A UK-based securities trader accused of insider dealing in the United States has won his legal battle against extradition,...