Irfan Pathan attacks Pakistan in the name of IND vs PAK analysis; Babar Azam targeted indirectly

Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan feels that Pakistan is playing defensive cricket which is affecting their chances in the ongoing Champions Trophy. He also compared India and Pakistan teams ahead of the high-voltage clash on February 23 (Sunday).

Pakistan were brutally exposed in the opening match of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand where were never in the game in pursuit of the target of 321 runs. The batters were unable to change the gears and key players like Babar Azam were held responsible for the defeat.

They eventually lost the match by 60 runs which puts them in a do-or-die situation ahead of the highly anticipated game against India in Dubai. They need to win the match at any cost to stay in contention for the semi-finals.

Also read: ICC Champions Trophy Points Table 2025: Updated Standings After Afghanistan vs South Africa, Match 3

Irfan Pathan plays mind games ahead of India-Pakistan clash

During a conversation with PTI, Irfan Pathan shed light on Pakistan's team ahead of their match against India. He feels that the team's senior players play defensive cricket and they need to change it soon.

“When it comes to Pakistan, look, they have plenty of problems in the team. As far as some of the senior guys (are concerned), they don't play that kind of aggressive modern-day cricket, especially in white-ball cricket. So, can they change it? It's very difficult," he said.

Pakistan's batting line-up failed miserably in the match against New Zealand. The team's star batter Babar Azam scored a half-century but took 90 balls to score just 64 runs. He was brutally criticised for his slow knock which pushed his team back in the run-chase.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan too failed to get going and got out cheaply for 3 off 14 balls. Khushdil Shah played a blinder down the order with 69 off 49 balls but that was too late. Salman Ali Agha also struck 42 off 28 balls but couldn't carry it for long enough.

India ahead of Pakistan in terms of talent: Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan also labeled India as the team which can handle pressure better than Pakistan. He also feels that India has far more talent than Pakistan which makes them the obvious favorites for the upcoming match.

“What we have seen in the recent past with the Indian team, we know how to handle a tough situation and the big occasion as well. As far as the talent is concerned, we are far ahead, especially in one-day cricket,” he added.

Irfan Pathan also praised Mohammed Shami for his five-wicket haul against Bangladesh. The former left-arm quick believes that the performance will give Shami a lot of confidence since he just made his comeback from injury.

“(It was) good to see Mohammed Shami get a fifer. He will get a lot of confidence out of it as well because after injury, coming back on the field, it's not easy, especially for fast bowlers (but) he did well,” said Pathan.

Pakistan under pressure

While Pakistan lost its opening game to New Zealand by 60 runs, India got off to a positive start by defeating Bangladesh by 6 wickets with 21 balls to spare. This makes India the favorites as they will have momentum with them.

India and Pakistan will face each other on February 23 in Dubai. It is a highly anticipated match between the two arch-rivals. Pakistan will be under tremendous pressure going into this match as they are playing a home tournament.