2017 ICC Champions Trophy: We Are Ready With Our Plans For India: Sarfraz Ahmed

Brimming with confidence after qualifying for their first Champions Trophy final, Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has insisted his in-form teammates are ready with their plans for India in the much-awaited final on Sunday (June 18).

The Men in Green do not boast of great records against the Men in Blue when it comes to ICC events. India holds 13-2 win-loss record against Pakistan in ICC tournaments. Moreover, India has won the last seven head-to-head matches in ICC events.

However, going by their current form, Sarfraz Ahmed & Co. will fancy their chances against the defending champions. Speaking on the eve of the high-octane clash, Pakistan skipper said his team is ready with the plans. But at the same time, the wicketkeeper-batsman kept the cards close to his chest, not revealing anything about the plan he has devised to topple the Virat Kohli-led side.

“We are ready with our plans for the match against India,” said Sarfraz, adding, “I am not going to reveal my plans, but we have a full strategy prepared for the match.”

Speaking about the team combination, Sarfraz said a final call would be taken on the morning of the match day. Meanwhile, Pakistan has been also bolstered by the return of their pace spearhead Mohammad Amir, who missed the semifinal win over England due to a back spasm.

“We will see in the morning that who will sit out, whether we will go out with a spinner or another fast bowler is not yet decided,” he said.

One of the prime reasons for Pakistan’s brilliant turnaround is the performance of their youngsters. Led by Hasan Ali, who is leading the wicket-taking list with 10 scalps to his name, Pakistan bowlers have managed to strangle the oppositions. 18-year old leg-spinner Shadab Khan has also impressed, conceding just 4.66 runs per over in his three games while opener Fakhar Zaman has done his job by scoring 138 runs with the help of two fifties.

“The way youngsters have performed in this tournament is really encouraging for us, they all have played an important role in bringing Pakistan to the final of this tournament,” Sarfraz said.

This will be the second time, Pakistan will lock horns against India in this tournament. They were previously thrashed by 124 runs by the Virat Kohli-led side in the tournament-opener. But Sarfraz is not thinking too much about that match and is just focusing on laying his hands on the coveted trophy.

“Defeat at Edgbaston is a history now, we have moved so far since then and now we are in the final of the tournament. We are aiming to win this tournament on Sunday,” he said.

“We are really encouraged by the support of fans here and back home, we will give our best to make them feel happy,” he added.