KEY PLAYERS

Defending champions India and Pakistan have been powered by these players this Champions Trophy so far. HT takes a look

INDIA ROHIT SHARMA

The stylish batsman is enjoying a superb run of form and has been instrumental to India’s success in the Champions Trophy. With 304 runs in his kitty, Rohit Sharma will be expected to again provide a perfect start with partner-incrime Shikhar Dhawan.

SHIKHAR DHAWAN

Dhawan has been in a belligerent mood. While he’s held back his shots and started slowly, when he accelerates, he ensures the match turns on its head. Barring against Pakistan, Dhawan has hit at least a half-century in every match.

VIRAT KOHLI

There were questions about his form as he was going through a rare lean patch before the start of the Champions Trophy but he has struck form in style with three half-centuries in the tournament, staying unbeaten in each of those knocks.

BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR

It’s the variations coupled with his ability to swing the ball both ways that has helped Bhuvi at the Champions Trophy. Thus, although Bumrah has been India’s most economical bowler, Bhuvi has been the strike bowler.

JASPRIT BUMRAH

He’s fast, has a good slower one up his sleeve and can mix his deliveries well in the course of an innings. Thus, while batsmen usually stick to their ultra-defensive game to see off his overs, runs dry up quickly.

PAKISTAN HASAN ALI

He is the tournament’s highest wicket-taker (10 wickets) and will be crucial if Pakistan are to stop the Sharma-Dhawan-Kohli juggernaut. Clocks over 140 kph but what makes him effective is the way he gets the ball to dart back in, gain movement in the air and bowl variations.

JUNAID KHAN

It’s the Hasan-Junaid pair the country will pin hopes on. Although Hasan leads the tally, Junaid isn’t far behind, with seven wickets. The two will be key if Pakistan are to take early wickets and bring pressure on the India middle order.

AZHAR ALI

The leading run-getter for Pakistan in the tournament and has already hit two half-centuries (50, 9, 34, 76). He has been consistent, but hasn’t been able to consolidate. With opening partner Fakhar Zaman, they can upset India’s plans on Sunday.

FAKHAR ZAMAN

Made his international debut against South Africa in the second group game and impressed before heading back on 31. The loss against India had called for changes in the side and he grabbed the opportunity.

MOHAMMED HAFEEZ

With 91 runs, he may not have made a mark but is still the third highest run-getter for his side. His scores of 33, 26 and 31* indicate he has got out after settling down. His part-time spin has got him one wicket.