Former Australia left-hander Michael Hussey feels that although India are hot favourites to retain the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan can not be discounted as they have a feeling of "destiny" with them. "But I can tell you one thing - we have come to win". Some teams start confidently and then they fade.
Before I dwell on Pakistan's strategy for the big match, I want to say that the final has given Sarfraz a God given opportunity of leaving a lasting legacy.
"Everyone is aware of the kind of talent they have in their team, and on their day they can beat any side in the world".
"At the same time, neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant about what we are doing".
Miandad said that each team had a 50 per cent chance of winning the final.
In their opening group stage matches earlier in the tournament, India had defeated Pakistan. Against Sri Lanka he picked up two wickets for 53 runs from his 10 overs.
Many Indian fans are anxious and a bit nervous regarding the outcome of India-Pakistan final on Sunday. "I think I have been able to strike a good balance until now, I'm sure I'll be fine for tomorrow", he said in his usual "Kohli- like confidence".
CT 2017: Bustle fades from Kolkata roads before India-Pakistan final
Kohli, however, added: "At the same time, neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant about what we are doing". The Indian captain said that game would not have any relevance and praised the Pakistan team for reaching the final.
"We haven't spoken about this game in any different way", captain Virat Kohli said. We have practised the same way from the first day we came here. There wasn't any drop of intensity or something extra. There was no over excitement. "No matter what they bring, we are believing in our abilities".
".the unpredictability and never-say-die spirit of Pakistan cricket is here for all of us to celebrate again as we all await with bated breaths for what promises to be an epic clash at The Oval in London", he said. The two have done a fantastic job for the team at the start of the innings and one more partnership of substance can give the side the required momentum for a possible victory. "It was humiliating how badly we lost that match and we can turn things around now", he added.
Kohli also indicated that he would not be making any change in the Playing XI and would go with the same team that played against Bangladesh in the semi-finals.
Virat Kohli's knack of dealing with the expectations of 600 million cricket-crazy India supporters will be put to the test as never before in the Champions Trophy final against Pakistan. The Men in Green will also be looking to make amends for their dismal performance against India in the league stage and come out as winners.
"Our real strength is our bowling and we must bat first if we win the toss". Hopefully we can post more than 300.
It was then over to Amir, who quickly dispelled the predictions of many that India could pull off a tournament and ground-record run chase - in the process silencing the majority support in a sell-out crowd for this high-profile showdown as their team folded to 158 all out in 30.3 overs.
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