Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a CAB first division league match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, Saha said: "India are overall favourites in every department".
It remains to be seen if Pakistan records another upset in the final match to return home as champions or it's going to be a one-sided affair in India's favour as was witnessed during the previous duel.
India may be ahead against Pakistan in ICC tournaments by an 8-2 margin, but in all ODI tournament finals Pakistan holds a 6-2 edge in the head-to-head battle against India. More than 200 million people watched that game and for the final, viewership is expected to be 30-40 percent higher.
"We had the mantra "we want to get to London".
"That middle order haven't had massive hits, they haven't batted much under pressure of late. I think I've been able to strike a good balance until now and I'm sure I'll be fine for the final".
"Let's hope we can put out our A game again tomorrow", he said, "because if we can, and I said it before the England game, if we put our A game together and do the basics well, we can beat anybody".
"I know it's tough to do so but keeping clear of Twitter and the other stuff means you can stay in a good zone and mind-set".
Thomas sets Open mark with 9-under 63; Harman leads
Si Woo Kim , who captured The Players Championship a month ago, had a 70 and was at 5-under 139 along with a pair of U.S. The American Ryder Cup star then bagged a trio of birdies on the 14th, 15th and 16th holes to finish at eight under.
But few would dispute that India-Pakistan is now the world game's premier contest-certainly not the ICC who, by their own admission, now fix the draw at their events to ensure the Asian giants meet in the group phase. The rates go as per '157 over '100 on India and if Pakistan wins, the rates go far more higher with Rs 300 per Rs 100. "We can only control our performances and that is what we are looking to do", he added. It's tough, but you have to make that sort of effort to stay in a good zone and a good mindset, to be happy playing second fiddle in a big tournament like this in all the games, and to bounce back after a setback.
"They have to connect with things that really matter - things that a sportsman needs to take care of in the build-up to a huge occasion".
"Exposure to high-pressure situations is what India have had above Pakistan", he said.
June 18, 2017 (Sunday) has gained special significance in the annals of Pakistan sports as its national hockey and cricket teams will be up against traditional rivals India in London on the day.
As they have done many times before, however, Pakistan suddenly found their form with wins over top-ranked South Africa and Sri Lanka before delivering an outstanding all-round display to stun previously unbeaten hosts England in the semi-finals.
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur: "They've [his team] been outstanding, the way they've prepared, the way they dragged themselves off the canvas after the beating at Edgbaston [against India], was awesome".
Of course, this being a final and considering the opponents are India, there will be pressure on Pakistan, but not quite as much as on Virat Kohli's men. Pakistan, on the other hand, have also lived up to their "unpredictable" standards, with their comprehensive wins over South Africa and Sri Lanka after the first game debacle against Kohli & Co.
Comments