I feel that Pakistan has a formidable bowling line-up that can challenge the Indian batting: Shahid Afridi

"India has the strength as well as the psychological advantage based on its recent performances against us," jotted down by Shahid Afridi, in a recently posted column on the International Cricket Council (ICC) website. He added; "But I feel that Pakistan has a formidable bowling line-up that can challenge the Indian batting, especially in the English conditions."

ICC's exclusive writer, Shahid Afridi, wrote about his loving memories playing against India through the years. He spoke about his cordial relations with Indian players and regretted that the current political conditions had put differences between the two teams.

"Unfortunately, we don’t meet each other that often now due to the prevailing relations between the two countries. But I miss the good times with my Indian cricket friends and I am sure they feel likewise. Hopefully, the situation will improve soon so that the old friends can reunite to relive old memories," he jotted. On the approaching clash in Edgbaston, he said; "India is a batting powerhouse brimming with talent, which is well supported by an aggressive and attacking bowling line-up."

Affirming his support for the green shirts, he concluded saying; "The match is being played on a neutral venue, which might actually calm the nerves of the players a tad. All in all I really hope that we see a positive game, and yes, for now I am firmly donning my Pakistani hat and wishing for a result in favor of my team."

Pakistan and India are ready to challenge a high-stakes Champions Trophy game on June 4. Both teams will fight for their national pride at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

(DAWN NEWS)