Mumbai

Pakistan allrounder Khushdil Shah has acknowledged that India is a formidable team but believes that Pakistan can beat them if they bring their 'A game' in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

The match is crucial for Pakistan, who lost their opening match to New Zealand by 60 runs in Karachi. India, meanwhile, comfortably defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in their first match on Thursday.

A loss in Sunday’s game would push Mohammad Rizwan’s side to the brink of elimination, as only two teams from the four-team group will progress to the knockout semifinals.

Khushdil stated, “India has a good, strong team but every team is beatable and India too can be defeated. If we bring our A game then we can beat India. The belief is there, and if there is belief, then we can make things happen,” as quoted by TelecomAsia.

Pakistan has managed to defeat India three times in five previous Champions Trophy meetings, including wins in 2004 in the UK, 2009 in South Africa, and the 2017 final at The Oval in London.

However, India has dominated the head-to-head record in ICC events, with few losses to Pakistan in the 50-over World Cup.

Khushdil explained, “When India and Pakistan play, the whole world watches the match. It is a match which is won by the teams that handle the pressure well, so we are used to it.”

He urged fans to continue supporting Pakistan despite their shaky start: “We have lost one match, but we are still in the tournament. We can beat India if we play well, so don’t rule us out as yet.”

Khushdil, in good form, fought a lone battle in the defeat to New Zealand, scoring 69 from 49 balls, including 10 boundaries and a six. He was the second Pakistan batter to score a half-century in the match, after Babar Azam’s 64.

Despite his form, Khushdil has been unhappy with the criticism he faced over his surprise selection for the Champions Trophy squad, saying, “Even I don’t know how I got selected.”

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His inclusion, alongside Faheem Ashraf, was questioned by the media, with former captain Rashid Latif calling it a “political selection.” This has led to a hostile reception from fans whenever Khushdil takes the field. He has expressed his frustration, stating, “It hurts when the crowd calls names and lashes out at you. But I am now accustomed to it. I now enjoy it and ask them to shout more because now I can handle that very well."

Khushdil added, “People do not know how much a cricketer suffers, how much he works hard, and what sacrifices he gives to reach a stage where he gets selected for the national team. They must respect a player,” the 30-year-old lamented.