Champions Trophy: IPL Chief Declares Excitement 'Jabardast' in Dubai Ahead of India-Pakistan Clash
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Synopsis
Arun Dhumal, IPL chairman, shows confidence in the Indian team for the upcoming Champions Trophy match against Pakistan in Dubai. The atmosphere is charged with excitement, and both teams have much at stake as they compete for a spot in the semi-finals.
Key Takeaways
- Arun Dhumal expresses confidence in India's performance.
- Excitement in Dubai is at an all-time high.
- India's last encounter resulted in a victory over Bangladesh.
- Pakistan needs a win to stay relevant in the tournament.
- India has a psychological edge with recent ODI successes.
Dubai, Feb 23 (NationPress) The chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Arun Dhumal, expressed confidence in the Rohit Sharma-led squad to perform exceptionally against Pakistan during their eagerly awaited Champions Trophy match in Dubai on Sunday. As cricket enthusiasts worldwide anticipate this thrilling encounter, Dhumal, present in Dubai to witness the significant event, remarked on the electric atmosphere in the city.
"The excitement here in Dubai is 'jabardast'. This match is among the most viewed globally in the cricketing realm. It holds great importance for both teams. Given the current form of the Indian team, I am optimistic it will be a fantastic game, and our team will emerge victorious," Dhumal stated to IANS from Dubai.
India kicked off their tournament journey with a solid six-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Wednesday. Conversely, the host nation, Pakistan, faced a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the tournament opener in Karachi earlier this week.
This match is crucial for the defending champions, Pakistan, to maintain their hopes of reaching the semi-finals from Group A, while a win for India would nearly guarantee their spot in the last four of the eight-team competition.
In their most recent ODI clash during the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad, India secured a convincing seven-wicket victory, with captain Rohit and Shreyas Iyer both scoring half-centuries to keep their unbeaten streak alive.
However, India faced a setback in their last encounter with Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, losing the 2017 final at The Oval, which denied them a second title in the tournament.
On the psychological front, India boasts an unbeaten record against Pakistan in the last six ODIs (including the 2023 Asia Cup group stage washout) since 2018.
The last face-off between these two teams occurred in the 2024 T20 World Cup group stage match in New York, where the Men in Blue emerged victorious by six runs, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming the Player of the Match award with figures of 3-14. India went on to clinch the title, defeating South Africa in the final, thus securing their second T20 World Cup trophy since 2007.
