Traditional arch rivals - India and Pakistan - take on each other in the 10th game of the InternationalCricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2013 at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Saturday.
India have qualified for the semi-final of Champions Trophy 2013 while Pakistan have been eliminated after two defeats but the contest on Saturday will be watched keenly by fans from the sub-continent, as match between the arch rivals has always been big and intense. Pakistan have good record against India in ODI but that won't have any bearing this time as the latter look formidable with a bunch of talented young players.
India have turned out to be the favourite to win the trophy after displaying some good cricket this tournament. They come into the contest after beating South Africa by 26 runs and West Indies by eight wickets. They will be keen to win on Saturday not only because the opponents are Pakistan but also to keep the momentum going as they head to the semi-final match next week.
Pakistan are out of the competition after a dismal performance this tournament, conceding a two-wicket defeat to West Indies in the opener and then to South Africa by 67 runs. However, they will come into the contest to save a washout besides the challenge of playing against the arch rivals. A win will be a consolation for the team that has come under severe criticism from home following their poor show in the tournament.
Previous Meetings:
India and Pakistan have met 124 times in the past out of which India won 49, Pakistan 71, and four no-results. India won all four encounters against Pakistan in World Cup matches since 1992, while Pakistan have 2-0 win-loss record against India in Champions Trophy. They share 5-5 record in the last 10 meetings (ODI).
Pakistan may have better record against India in the past but Saturday's match is going to be a different one all together. With a bunch of young and talented batsmen in the side, India should beat Pakistan.
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