Form, rankings, even the bookies, favour India. But Pakistan have improved beyond recognition since captain Kohli’s boys mauled them in the group game. This Indo-Pak final could be the third-most-watched game in cricket history.
Here’s why the 2017 Champions Trophy final at the Kennington Oval, London could be both unpredictable and special:
1. India have won 4 of the last 5 ODIs against Pakistan. In Indo-Pak encounters played in England, India holds a 3-1 advantage. But in CT, the two are even at 2-2.
2. It’s Indian batters vs Pak bowlers : Pakistanis figure among the top five wicket-takers. 1st: Hasan Ali (10 wickets, av: 17.2). 4th: Junaid Khan (7 wickets at 19.3).
3. Indians are among the top five run getters:
| PLAYER | RUNS | AV | STRIKE RATE |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 317 | 79.3 | 102.3 |
| Rohit Sharma | 304 | 101.3 | 87.6 |
| Virat Kohli | 253 | 253 | 100.4 |
4.India has played the most CT finals for any side. For Pakistan, it is a first. (At the Oval, teams chasing win almost 60% games).
STAT OF THE DAY: The ICC estimates that the match will be watched by 324m worldwide, which will make it the third most-watched match in cricket history after the 2011 World Cup fi nal (India-Lanka, 558m) and semifi nal (India-Pakistan, 495m)
BATTLE OF THE DAY: Kohli vs Junaid.
Kohli has scored only 2 runs off 22 balls against Pak pacer Junaid and been dismissed thrice. Will he set the record straight?
Post Your Comments