Former Pakistan legend Mohammad Yousuf has not only backed Pakistan to defend their Champion Trophy title but also believes that the men in green will have an edge going into the humdinger against India.

According to Yousuf, Pakistan is the favourite because they will play the majority of their matches at home.

“India, too, have a balanced side. Pakistan have the edge because they are playing in home conditions. But they have to play calculated cricket in the tournament," Yousuf told Samaa TV.

“We have played on turning wickets recently. We need to play in the gaps against the spinners. Rotate the strike and play fewer dots. We got exposed in the tri-series final against New Zealand. We failed to dominate their spinners in the middle overs. There are too many gaps with five fielders in the 30-yard circle,” he added.

“New Zealand looks like the most balanced side. They have a good side as per the subcontinent conditions. They have three quality fast bowlers and good spinners. They have a solid top six in batting. The wicketkeeper is an all-rounder; they have two spin-bowling all-rounders,” he concluded.

Group A: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand

Group B: Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa

February 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand (Karachi)

February 20: Bangladesh vs India (Dubai)

February 23: Pakistan vs India (Dubai)

February 24: Bangladesh vs New Zealand (Rawalpindi)

February 27: Pakistan vs Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)

March 2: New Zealand vs India (Dubai)

February 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa (Karachi)

February 22: Australia vs England (Lahore)

February 25: Australia vs South Africa (Rawalpindi)

February 26: Afghanistan vs England (Lahore)

February 28: Afghanistan vs Australia (Lahore)

Mar 1: South Africa vs England (Karachi)

March 4: Semi-final -, A1 v B2 (Dubai)

March 5: Semi-final 2 - A2 v B1 (Lahore)

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