LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas while stating that Pakistan have bright chances of winning against arch-rivals India in Sunday’s Champions Trophy final, has held out hope that Sarfraz Ahmed’s charges will beat Virat Kohli’s men in the same manner they thrashed Pakistan in the tournament opener.

“Now is the time for Pakistan to beat India in the same way they defeated us in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy,” Zaheer said while talking to Dawn on Thursday.

About Pakistan’s chances of winning against India, Zaheer said he was optimistic about victory in the high-octane final against the traditional rivals. “The way Pakistan team played against England gives us an impression that they are now in a position to do something special for the country in the all important match,” maintained legendary Zaheer.

“Pakistan outclassed England in all departments. They bowled well, their fielding was extra-ordinary while they also batted very well to pull off a comfortable victory against hot favourites England,” he further said.

Also the former Test batsman rubbished England captain Eoin Morgan’s post-match remarks that Pakistan won against England because the greenshirts had already been in Cardiff playing their second consecutive match. “These are just lame excuses because English players play most of their county cricket on these pitches. Had any other captain made the remarks it would have made a sense,” remarked Zaheer who was all praise for youngsters.

“The new faces have given Pakistan a new life with their energetic efforts. I would like to praise all new players including Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Rumman Raees, Faheem Ashraf for playing a positive role in rebuilding Pakistan team. Future of Pakistan cricket will be brighter if they press ahead with their efforts with the same zeal,” he commented

“Young cricketers should try to earn permanent places in the team with hard work,” Zaheer added.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2017