Champions Trophy: Khushdil Shah expresses confidence ahead of IND-PAK game
What's the story
Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah is confident that his team will defeat India in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 clash.
The match will be played on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium, and comes at a crucial juncture for Pakistan who suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their opener.
Although he admitted India's strength, Shah is hopeful of Pakistan's chances.
"India has a good, strong team, but every team is beatable," he told Telecom Asia.
Here's more.
Pressure management
Shah emphasizes pressure management in high-stakes match
Shah also emphasized how crucial it is to deal with pressure in matches like these.
He said, "When India and Pakistan play, the whole world watches. The team that manages pressure better wins, and we are used to it."
As mentioned, Pakistan are in a must-win situation after losing to NZ by 60 runs in Karachi.
Notably, Shah slammed his maiden ODI fifty (69 off 49 balls) in the game, but it was not enough.
Fan support
Shah urges fan support despite tournament setbacks
Despite Pakistan's poor start in the tournament, Shah has appealed for continued fan support.
He said, "We have lost one match but we are still in the tournament. We can beat India if we play well so don't rule out as yet."
His appeal comes amid growing criticism over his selection, which has left him frustrated and confused over his inclusion in the team.
Maiden fifty
Khushdil hammers maiden ODI fifty vs New Zealand
An all-round New Zealand side defeated Pakistan in match number 1 of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Will Young and Tom Latham hammered respective tons, as New Zealand posted 320/5 in 50 overs.
In response, Pakistan saw Shah score 69 runs.
Khushdil walked in when his side was 128/5. He shared a 25-run stand alongside Babar Azam (64) and 47 runs with Shaheen Afridi.
His 69 came from 49 balls. He hit 10 4s and a six.
Stats
All-rounder's ODI numbers at a glance
Shah has raced to 290 ODI runs thanks to his 69-run knock against New Zealand.
Meanwhile, in 14 matches he averages 32.22 and has a strike rate of 98.3.
As mentioned, he slammed his maiden ODI fifty playing in his 11th inning. The score of 69 runs is his highest in ODIs so far.
With the ball, the all-rounder has bagged three scalps at an economy rate of 6.14. His best figures are worth 1/39, (vs South Africa).
Match recap
New Zealand tame Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy opener
An all-round New Zealand side beat defending champions Pakistan in match number 1 of the ICC Champions Trophy in Karachi on Wednesday.
Centurions Young (107) and Latham (118*) were brilliant. Glenn Phillips scored a whirlwind knock as New Zealand posted 320/5 in 50 overs.
In response, Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah's fifties weren't enough as Pakistan (260/10) suffered a big defeat.
Will O'Rourke and Mitchell Santner shined for NZ bagging three wickets each.