A superb unbeaten century (123* off 129 balls) from Rohit Sharma and a scintillating knock of 96 off 78 balls from Virat Kohli helped India beat Bangladesh by nine wickets in the semi-final of ICC Champions Trophy at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Thursday.
The stakes have seldom been higher for the competing teams. As per Ganguly, in what capacity can the Pakistani group influence their capability for the last of the Champions Trophy.
But increased political tensions, including recent skirmishes along the border and a pending case at the International Court of Justice, have limited their meetings in recent years.
India are favourites to retain the Champions Trophy on Sunday but they would probably have preferred to face different opponents than arch-rivals Pakistan in what is sure to be a highly-charged final.
"India has a strong batting and if they put up a big total it will mean double pressure for us".
As expected, he was asked about the Pakistan game, and Kohli repeated what he had been saying all along.
"We've got nothing to lose - the pressure is more on them (India)", Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood told reporters at the Oval on Friday.
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Bangladesh skipper, Mashrafe Mortaza said "We have some youngsters who have no experience, but we also have some experienced players. If they play like they did against those teams, India should not be a problem".
"Regardless of who you play in the final, it's always going to be challenging because once you start thinking that it's a big game then your mindset changes".
Indian openers, who are in their finest form in the ongoing tournament, posses a threat to Pakistan's dreams of winning their maiden Champions Trophy title.
"My comments were made after I heard reports of Sarfaraz's refusal to dedicate his performance against Sri Lanka to Miandad and him saying that Miandad criticises the team too much.The other thing I said was that the facilitators of the win can not be named". We all know what happens behind the scenes. Whether it's an excuse or if Pakistan is really concerned for its players' safety will be clear on Sunday. "India refuse to play against us [in Pakistan's adopted home of the United Arab Emirates]". "It is bigger than the Ashes - and expectation is high from both nations, insane about cricket".
Since Pakistan's crushing defeat against India on June 4, they have recovered well beating South Africa, Sri Lanka and England to reach the final.
"We have to learn a bit more, how to stop runs on that sort of wicket".
The duo was just immaculate with their timing and shot selection during the course of the partnership as they smashed the Bangladeshi bowlers to all the parts of the ground and hampered their confidence so and so that they could not never get the edge in the match.
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