Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Feb 23: Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in their second Champions Trophy match at the Dubai International Stadium today. India enters the contest on a high after a 6-wicket win over Bangladesh, while Pakistan looks to bounce back from a crushing 60-run defeat against New Zealand.

Cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has stirred debate ahead of the clash, claiming that Pakistan is "nowhere near India’s league" at present. Speaking during the Afghanistan vs South Africa match, Manjrekar emphasized India’s superior bowling attack, particularly in the middle overs.

"India has dominated Pakistan in recent years, and this time, Pakistan looks even weaker. They lack the spinners needed to succeed in these conditions, relying only on Abrar Ahmed, while part-timers like Salman Agha or Khushdil Shah won’t trouble India’s batting lineup," he stated.

The Dubai pitch, which favored pacers in the recent IL T20 league, appeared slow and spin-friendly in India's last match, potentially giving an edge to teams with strong spin attacks.

Manjrekar further critiqued Pakistan’s bowling, suggesting their fast bowlers, including Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, are not at their peak. "Shaheen's pace isn’t what it used to be, and Haris Rauf hasn’t led the attack like Bumrah. Naseem Shah is their best bowler on form, but their fast bowling unit has seen better days, and their spin department is almost non-existent," he told ESPNCricinfo.

With India in strong form and Pakistan struggling for rhythm, all eyes will be on this high-voltage encounter to see if the Men in Green can defy the odds.