Khan returns to boost Pakistan

Fit-again skipper Younis Khan has returned to bolster Pakistan in today's high-pressure Champions Trophy match against India in Centurion.

The reliable middle-order batsman missed his team's opening game against the West Indies in Johannesburg on Wednesday due to a finger injury, making way for all-rounder Shahid Afridi to lead the side.

Younis, who suffered a hairline fracture during a warm-up game, has regained fitness at the right time after Pakistan's batsmen struggled against an under-strength West Indies on a lively track.

Pakistan will be looking forward to a vastly-improved performance from their batsmen against India, who have excellent fast bowlers in Ashish Nehra, Ishant Sharma and Rudra Pratap Singh.

A victory will strengthen Pakistan's chances of making it to the semi-finals from the four-team group, which also features defending champions Australia. The top two sides advance to the last-four.

Experienced Pakistani batsman Shoaib Malik said it would be "the match" of the tournament.

"It is the most-eagerly awaited match, both for the crowd and for the players because if you perform well and help your team win you become an instant hero," said Shoaib.

Pakistan will also be keen to improve their record against India in International Cricket Council-conducted tournaments, having lost four matches in the World Cup and two in the Twenty20 version.

Their lone win over India came in the 2004 Champions Trophy in England.

India's depth in batting will be tested, especially in the absence of Yuvraj Singh, a hard-hitting batsman who was ruled out of the tournament due to a finger injury suffered during a practice session on Wednesday.

He has been replaced with Virat Kohli. The Indian batting still looks solid as Sachin Tendulkar, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir are all capable of playing match-winning roles.

The focus will be on middle-order batsman Rahul Dravid, who has just returned to the one-side after nearly two years. He is known for building an innings under pressure, having already scored more than 10,000 one-day runs.

India will be determined to maintain their consistency, having already clinched five successive bilateral one-day series and a recent tri-series in Sri Lanka.

Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.