Pakistan coach Aaqib says pressure produces champions

Pakistan coach Aaqib Javed said his fast bowlers are “match-winners” and will pull out something special against India in their pivotal Champions Trophy clash.

Hosts and defending champions Pakistan need to win the blockbuster showdown with India in Dubai to keep their chances of making the semi-finals in their own hands.

Pakistan lost the opening match of the 50-over tournament to New Zealand and are bottom of Group A. India beat Bangladesh in their first match.

Pakistan fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf leaked 214 runs in their 30 overs combined in New Zealand’s total of 320.

But Aaqib said the trio will rise to the occasion.

“We have three specialists and I would say one of the best pace bowling options in today’s game with Shaheen, Naseem and Haris,” Aaqib said..

The former seam bowler said the current attack reminds him of that from the 1990s, when Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Aaqib stepped up after the retirement of the great Imran Khan.

“They still have time to reach that level, but they have all the ability to repeat those sort of performances,” said Aaqib.

“When you play against India it is a special feeling and I think they will bring something special tomorrow.”

He added: “Our fast bowling options are good and they are match-winners.”

Bilateral cricket ties are frozen between the two rival nations due to political tensions, and they only play each other in multi