Pakistan got no 'match-winners', India've many: Shahid Afridi's reality-check ahead of Champions Trophy clash

India got players who can win them cricket matches single-handedly while Pakistan currently have none, former all-rounder Shahid Afridi opinioned. Despite being backed several times, Pakistani cricketers have failed to deliver consistently at the highest order, the former all-rounder lamented.

Shahid Afridi, who holds the record for having hit the most sixes in ODIs, talked in JioHotstar’s 'Greatest Rivalry Returns' ahead of Sunday's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash between India and Pakistan. The father-in-law of Pakistan seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi, the 47-year-old said Pakistan is a bit weaker than India when it comes to consistency. Team India has been gifted with a handful of players who have been able to remain consistent for over two years. 

"For a long time, we have been giving opportunities to players, but no one has stepped up consistently. Some have performed in a few games, but we don’t have players who have sustained their performance for a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches. That’s where we are a little weaker compared to India, which is very strong in this area," Afridi reportedly said.

India have found players in the middle and lower-middle order, who have been winning matches for the team. Such players, who can change the tide on their own, is what differentiates the two Asian teams. While India has many at its disposal, Pakistan lacks such players, Afridi said.

"... I'd say that India has more match-winners compared to Pakistan. A match-winner is someone who knows how to win the game single-handedly. Right now, we don’t have such players in Pakistan," Afridi said.

Thus, Pakistan should deliver a collective effort to win Sunday's much-anticipated game, the former star said. A joint-effor from Pakistani batters, seamers and spinners should be enough to ensure a win.