Ahead of the high-intensity clash with India in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Pakistan captain Babar Azam said that the Men in Green are well capable of putting an end to the 7-0 record against their arch-rivals in ODI World Cups.
“There is more pressure for match tickets than the match,” Babar said in a light-hearted manner at the pre-match press conference. “It is not a pressure match for us. We have played each other a lot of times. We got a lot of support in Hyderabad and we hope the same for Ahmedabad. What matters is what we can do best as a team in both batting and bowling. In these conditions, the margin of error for bowlers is minimal. Experience helps you play better. When I was a youngster, I used to get nervous but there are seniors who help you out,” he added.
He also pointed out that Pakistan did crush India by 10 wickets in a T20 World Cup game in 2021. “I think what has happened in the past is not important. We want to live in the present. I think we can do well. In 2021, we beat India in the T20 WC. I think we can do that here as well. I have not scored many runs in this World Cup till now and I hope it changes. You need to field well if you want to do well in the World Cup. We are working on it. Fielding is about attitude.”
The Pakistan skipper also backed Shaheen Afridi to return to form. The Pakistan spearhead has bagged only two wickets so far in the tournament. “We plan accordingly, as in the first 10 overs the wicket is different and after 10 overs it is different. So, we have to plan accordingly. We will miss Naseem Shah. Shaheen is our best bowler. We believe in him and he believes in himself. One or two matches of bad performance do not bother us.”