Pakistan’s time has come, says Azhar

Pakistan are out to change the course of cricket history by shocking their great rivals India in a Champions Trophy final which they believe is “bigger than the Ashes”.

More than a billion viewers are expected to tune into the action at the Oval tomorrow to see whether India retain their title or unheralded Pakistan can sneak the silverware, having begun the tournament as apparent also-rans ranked number eight in the world.

Their bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, returning to what he describes as his “second home” after several seasons as a Surrey favourite on the pitch, has great belief in a Pakistan team who have already knocked England out of their own tournament at the semi-final stage.

“We’ve got nothing to lose – the pressure is more on them,” he said.

“They are ranked higher than us – so everyone is talking about India, India.

“But I can tell you one thing – we have come to win.”

India have beaten Pakistan in all three meetings to date in the knockout stages of International Cricket Council tournaments.

However, with Mohammad Amir expected to be available again after the back spasm which ruled him out of the last-four clash against England in Cardiff, Azhar’s hopes are high.

“India have the upper hand in ICC tournaments,” he added.

“But things can change, and this is the time for us to change the tag that we don’t perform well at ICC events.”

Meanwhile, unorthodox seamer Jasprit Bumrah insists India will not underestimate Pakistan.

“They are always a good side. On their day they can beat any side so you cannot take any team lightly, especially Pakistan. You have to give them equal respect.”

While part-timer Kedar Jadhav took the plaudits with two crucial wickets in the semi-final against Bangladesh, Bumrah finished with two for 39 from his allocation.

Picture: PA. Taking nothing for granted: Jasprit Bumrah.