"Focus is to gain momentum by beating India in the first game and take it forward" : Babar Azam

[MenInG]

Babar Azam speaking to the press

“Our morale is high and we want to make a positive start to the tournament by winning the opening game against India"

“Belief matters the most while going into the tournament like World Cup, our confidence and morale is high as a team. We are not thinking what happened in the past and preparing for the new challenge which lies ahead"

“Gaining momentum at the start of the tournament will help in improving confidence of the team"

“I will open the innings with Rizwan during the World Cup but we can change our plans after looking at the conditions"

“Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik are match-winners and their experience will help us on the field"

[Rana]

They are unsure about who will open but they do plan to defeat India...

[Last Monetarist]

Colour me amused if this team even comes close to beating India. I'm especially concerned about a couple of mediocre cricketers masquerading as specialist spinners in that squad.

[Ab Fan]

Agreed with Babar. If anyone can end the streak of India's win vs Pakistan in World Cup Tournaments, it is Babar Azam.

Rahul Chahar and Varun Chakraborty will be treated by Babar Azam like how Sean Williams was treated by Virat Kohli in a T20 game few years ago.

[Devadwal]

Pakistan is definitely favorite to win this encounter.

[shariqnoor]

Only Pakistan is obsessed with India. Almost every team member has given their opinion on the India match. They are clearly a vastly superior side who have no fear of this Pakistan team. Just go out and play it as just another match. For Pakistan, it should be an absolute dream match because they should be having zero pressure at all. They have not beaten India even once in World cups and they are clearly an inferior team. So all the pressure should be on India. These players hype the contest themselves and then fail miserably in the match. Just stop talking about India.

[BaankeJi]

To Pakistan's benefit, Kuldeep is not playing. That will be a boost for Babar and he can play pressure free.

[rockyboy2018]

Yes, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will be etched in the memories of every Pakistani fan for many years to come by beating India.

[Smbhayi]

Almost every team member has given their opinion on the India match.

May be bcs they were asked to??🤔

[Mamoon]

Babar should focus on his game and score runs against India for a change. So far, he has been a complete flop against Indian bowling who have proved too good for him.

[ahmadharis1]

I think I've seen this film before, and I didn't like the ending

[Mahee]

Pakistan is looking really strong this time....India looking ever weak....sharma kohli rahul are on decline ....at the end of their career....India should have sacked kohli and played Gill in place of him....

[Walawalkar]

Agreed with Babar. If anyone can end the streak of India's win vs Pakistan in World Cup Tournaments, it is Babar Azam.

Rahul Chahar and Varun Chakraborty will be treated by Babar Azam like how Sean Williams was treated by Virat Kohli in a T20 game few years ago.

Correction..If anyone can end the streak of India's win vs Pakistan in World Cup Tournaments, it is VIRAT KOHLI...I dare you take credit away from King Kohli in case Pakistan beat India on 24th Oct

[Zaz]

They are unsure about who will open but they do plan to defeat India...

Where does he say hez unsure? Hes saying their flexible depending on the conditions

Im 99% both rizwan and him will open the batting

[shariqnoor]

May be bcs they were asked to??��

Rizwan was asked as well and he replied, "It's just another match".

He's clearly the most sensible of all of them. Don't know why everyone else has to hype an India-Pakistan match and get egg on their faces almost all of the time. Can't forget Hasan Ali talking about taking 10 wickets against India.

[shariqnoor]

The only thing is Kohli, Rohit, Pandya all are in terrible form at the moment. And if they have a quiet game against Pakistan, then Pakistan can fluke out a win.

[giri26]

T20 is the format Pakistan can end the WC drought against India. Any team can win in T20 games and shorter the format it is easier for a team like Pakistan. So I expect Pakistan to play well and possibly win the game to break the WC run of India.

[Marathonrunner]

The Way RR and BabarAzam are speaking it seems this time it would be turnaround .

[giri26]

The Way RR and BabarAzam are speaking it seems this time it would be turnaround .

If talk can bring turnaround, Pakistan would have won all the high profile clashes against India in the recent times. They do talk a lot ahead of the game while Indian players don't give any bites to the media.

[PakLFC]

Pak players should just shut their mouth approaching this match for the underdogs that they are. Making silly predictions will only do the opposition's team talk for them whilst putting themselves under unneeded pressure. It is who plays better on the day that will win. In such matches form and history go out the window, they mean nothing even if India is indeed stronger on paper. Talk is cheap, just go out and do the business lads!

[Mamoon]

T20 is the format Pakistan can end the WC drought against India. Any team can win in T20 games and shorter the format it is easier for a team like Pakistan. So I expect Pakistan to play well and possibly win the game to break the WC run of India.

There is a reason why Pakistan has only won a single T20 against India in 14 years. In this period, India has been vastly superior in terms of talent, skill and mentality.

In T20s, 2-3 standout individual performances tend to be enough to win the match, and those standout performances have come from Indian players because they are far superior.

Kohli alone has single-handedly thumped Pakistan in 3-4 matches.

So Pakistan beating India in the upcoming match would be a massive fluke, because there is no comparison between the two sides.

Hardly 1 or 2 Pakistani players will get into the Indian side.

[Varun]

Fakhar Zaman's entry into the squad probably has our no-name Chakrabortys and Chahars quaking in their boots.

Colour me skeptical that we can keep the streak going, but will be happy to be proven wrong.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Agreed with Babar. If anyone can end the streak of India's win vs Pakistan in World Cup Tournaments, it is Virat Kohli.

Fixed it for you.

[Rajdeep]

To be fair to Babar, I have listened to the press conference and he handled the questions pretty well. But the journalists were obsessed with India. Almost 80% of the questions were related to the India game. Babar obviously has to give some sort of an answer and that becomes headline.

[MenInG]

With the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 ever closer, Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed great confidence in his team's chances in the marquee event.

Azam is set to play his first ICC Men's T20 World Cup, and will make his debut as captain. Babar has, so far, led Pakistan in 28 matches, winning 15 of those encounters. "I am very happy and proud to go to the T20 World Cup as a captain," he said at Pakistan's pre-departure press conference.

"We know the pressure and the high intensity of each game, especially the first one. Hopefully, we can win the match and carry the momentum forward."

Pakistan begin their campaign in a blockbuster clash against India on 24 October. Pakistan are yet to defeat India in a World Cup match, across both ODIs and T20Is, but Azam was keen to move on from the past.

"Your belief and confidence as a group matter a lot before a tournament," he said. "As a team, our confidence and morale are really high. We are not thinking of the past but the future. We are preparing for that. I am fully confident that we are well prepared and will play good cricket on the day."

Indeed, Pakistan have a stellar record in T20Is at the Dubai Cricket Stadium, where their opener will take place. Since 2016, Pakistan have played six T20Is at the venue, and are undefeated.

"We've been playing cricket in UAE for the past 3-4 years and we know the conditions really well," said Azam. "We know how the wicket will behave and the adjustments batters will have to make. On the day who plays the better cricket, wins the match. If you ask me, we will win."

Pakistan are young side, but there is also a wealth of experience in their 15-man squad, with senior players like Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez included. The mix of youth and experience would be key, Azam said.

"All the players have entered the side after a good domestic performance. We have a lot to learn from the senior players in the side because they have so much experience, they have played the World Cup and leagues before. 7-8 players in our squad have also played the Champions Trophy before which brings out different confidence."

Adding another dimension to the Pakistan side this time around will be the presence in the dugout of former Australia star Matthew Hayden and the South Africa pacer Vernon Philander.

"Hayden and Philander bring a lot of experience. Our attempt will be to learn from them as much as we can and quickly," said Azam. "The boys have the ability to absorb quickly and mix with them.

"You can see Philander has already started working hard with the bowlers and you can see the past record, bowlers win you the tournament. Hasan Ali was our best bowler in the Champions Trophy. He will take the bowling line-up alongside him."

Pakistan will play their warm-up matches against West Indies on 18 October and South Africa on 20 October in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively.

[zarak]

There is a reason why Pakistan has only won a single T20 against India in 14 years. In this period, India has been vastly superior in terms of talent, skill and mentality.

In T20s, 2-3 standout individual performances tend to be enough to win the match, and those standout performances have come from Indian players because they are far superior.

Kohli alone has single-handedly thumped Pakistan in 3-4 matches.

So Pakistan beating India in the upcoming match would be a massive fluke, because there is no comparison between the two sides.

Hardly 1 or 2 Pakistani players will get into the Indian side.

They have a way better mentality than us. But t20 is our best chance because it only takes 1-2 tuka performances to win a game.

We have won the odd game against a full strength England so it is probable that we can have a good day. They would beat us 7 games out of ten easily

[SpiritOf1903]

Depends if Professor fancies it tbh

[pakistani pride]

Of course I want Pak to won but a set up that banks on 40 year plus Malik and Hafeez whi both have no right to be in the squad, makes it hard to support.

Its just pathetic to see the way things are set up.

[The cricket enthusiast]

Of course I want Pak to won but a set up that banks on 40 year plus Malik and Hafeez whi both have no right to be in the squad, makes it hard to support.

Its just pathetic to see the way things are set up.

Least positive i hope these two 40+ bring is that ease up the pressure of youngsters & the captain of the team & hope they play fearlessly considering it's their last showdown.

[Smbhayi]

Rizwan was asked as well and he replied, "It's just another match".

He's clearly the most sensible of all of them. Don't know why everyone else has to hype an India-Pakistan match and get egg on their faces almost all of the time. Can't forget Hasan Ali talking about taking 10 wickets against India.

I don't think he says something wrong.. He simply said win first game and gain the momentum.. Isn't that every team wanted?

[globalcitizen]

Hafeez, malik, sarfraz are bringing lot of experience to Pakistan especially playing in uae compared to indoa, but last few days seeing lot of complacency from Pakistanis. Experience is not everything, handling big game pressure is critical

[Kaddy]

Agreed with Babar. If anyone can end the streak of India's win vs Pakistan in World Cup Tournaments, it is Babar Azam.

Rahul Chahar and Varun Chakraborty will be treated by Babar Azam like how Sean Williams was treated by Virat Kohli in a T20 game few years ago.

Pakistan is definitely favorite to win this encounter.

Pakistan is looking really strong this time....India looking ever weak....sharma kohli rahul are on decline ....at the end of their career....India should have sacked kohli and played Gill in place of him....

Good try to jinx my friends.

Why so humble?

[OMB]

Good try to jinx my friends.

Why so humble?

I am triple jinxing by saying this time Pakistan will definitely win @ Mauka

[CrIc_Mystique]

With all the recent happenings, the blank cheque hungama , the logo sheningans , Rambo's rants, theres enough masala to around.
Off course Babar wold say what he said, he was bombarded with q's for the India match.
Pak have no shortage of motivation to cull our tall poppies - come the day, I just our over hyped galacticos come down to earth from photo shoots and adv shoots from planet IPL and play to their potential.

[dravidthewall]

Slow pitches in abudhabi defenetely going to help Pakistan bowlers. Pakistan are heavy favorites to win this game .

[Extra_Cover]

Pakistan lacks that mr. dependable bowler in T20s. Any of Shaheen, Hasan, Rauf or spinners can consistently be scored at 8rpo or more. Without a dependable bowler I doubt Pakistan can progress further. Shaheen needs to step up massively for this to happen but we have seen Shaheen taken to cleaners already in this version of the game.

[Shariq7]

I'm curious if they have a plan to gain momentum in tournament without being able to beat India because if the past is a predictor of the future they need an alternative strategy in order to gain momentum.

[MenInG]

I'm curious if they have a plan to gain momentum in tournament without being able to beat India because if the past is a predictor of the future they need an alternative strategy in order to gain momentum.

The buzz of beating India is huge - but may make them complacent for the rest of the tournament which is the fear.

[Shariq7]

The buzz of beating India is huge - but may make them complacent for the rest of the tournament which is the fear.

True! After the India game, they could either be too elated or too dejected to meaningfully carry on. I wonder if Pakpassioners would take a win against India in return for not making the semis.

[Rana]

There is a reason why Pakistan has only won a single T20 against India in 14 years. In this period, India has been vastly superior in terms of talent, skill and mentality.

In T20s, 2-3 standout individual performances tend to be enough to win the match, and those standout performances have come from Indian players because they are far superior.

Kohli alone has single-handedly thumped Pakistan in 3-4 matches.

So Pakistan beating India in the upcoming match would be a massive fluke, because there is no comparison between the two sides.

Hardly 1 or 2 Pakistani players will get into the Indian side.

They’ve faced each other 6-7 times in the last 14 years, not 60-70 times

[bala977]

I’d rather Pak beats us in group stage rather than a semi-final or final. So I want a Pak win as well …

[Usman Chadda]

True! After the India game, they could either be too elated or too dejected to meaningfully carry on. I wonder if Pakpassioners would take a win against India in return for not making the semis.

I would take a loss against India any day in return for a semi-final spot. Anyone suggesting otherwise has serious issues comprehending sport in general

[OMB]

I would like to see India lose to Pakistan and win in the SF or final. Reverse of this would be a hollow victory

[IMMY69]

Babar should focus on his game and score runs against India for a change. So far, he has been a complete flop against Indian bowling who have proved too good for him.

Right so in 5 ODI's against India, Babar scored 46 in the final of the 2017 CT.

But this is besides the point. This thread is regarding the T20 World Cup. So how many games has Babar played against India in T20's?

[drubwrubnat]

They’ve faced each other 6-7 times in the last 14 years, not 60-70 times

I dont think its as simplistic as you make it sound. These 6-7 games were crunch make or break much anticipated games.
14 years means 3-4 rotations of players.
I agree with the previous poster, the 14 years is the right way to put it.

[Rana]

I dont think its as simplistic as you make it sound. These 6-7 games were crunch make or break much anticipated games.
14 years means 3-4 rotations of players.
I agree with the previous poster, the 14 years is the right way to put it.

Ofc you would agree with him

[Rana]

In Pakistan’s T20i history, they have played 20+ matches against Aus, Eng, NZ, SA, SL. 18 matches against West Indies.


They have faced India 8 times since the inception of T20i. Yet certain agenda posters would like to bring up 14 years rather than actual consistency of the sides playing each other. Maybe in 2060 when both sides have played each other 25 times, we will have a better understanding who was the better side in this format.

[Rana]

England are the only T20i side that are comfortably better than Pakistan in a span of 14 years and 21 matches

Pakistan has the upper hand on Australia, New Zealand and South Africa (above 50% win rate).

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Fakhar Zaman's entry into the squad probably has our no-name Chakrabortys and Chahars quaking in their boots.

Colour me skeptical that we can keep the streak going, but will be happy to be proven wrong.

You say this before every Pakistan India match

[IMMY69]

In Pakistan’s T20i history, they have played 20+ matches against Aus, Eng, NZ, SA, SL. 18 matches against West Indies.


They have faced India 8 times since the inception of T20i. Yet certain agenda posters would like to bring up 14 years rather than actual consistency of the sides playing each other. Maybe in 2060 when both sides have played each other 25 times, we will have a better understanding who was the better side in this format.

If I'm not mistaken one of the loses was from a bowl out ��

[drubwrubnat]

England are the only T20i side that are comfortably better than Pakistan in a span of 14 years and 21 matches

Pakistan has the upper hand on Australia, New Zealand and South Africa (above 50% win rate).

T20 cricket , because its short, unpredictable and close margins, im sure you will agree, has the maximum chances where any team can beat another team. In other words, any thing can happen.

So normal mathematical odds cant be applied as opposed to say test cricket, or odi.
So 50-60-70 % is not very impressive as compared to losing 6-7 games, this point you have to consider.

[IMMY69]

T20 cricket , because its short, unpredictable and close margins, im sure you will agree, has the maximum chances where any team can beat another team. In other words, any thing can happen.

So normal mathematical odds cant be applied as opposed to say test cricket, or odi.
So 50-60-70 % is not very impressive as compared to losing 6-7 games, this point you have to consider.

So then that would make the CT17 final victory even more sweet!

Add the fact that no home games were played from 2009 right up to 2020, then you can argue that Pakistan has actually excelled in the face of adversity!
Where would the trajectory have been had they been able to play all their home games in Pakistan? This is for all formats

[Rana]

T20 cricket , because its short, unpredictable and close margins, im sure you will agree, has the maximum chances where any team can beat another team. In other words, any thing can happen.

So normal mathematical odds cant be applied as opposed to say test cricket, or odi.
So 50-60-70 % is not very impressive as compared to losing 6-7 games, this point you have to consider.

But they are not playing consistently enough for those 6-7 games to be determined as clear indicators of superiority. What it does determine is that India are far better equipped at turning up and producing a result in a high pressure match against Pakistan, or Pakistan simply cannot handle the pressure. In terms of playing ability and quality, you will see that a regular series of 3-5 games in a span of 1 month instead of 10 years as we have it will produce more 3-2 type score lines

[drubwrubnat]

But they are not playing consistently enough for those 6-7 games to be determined as clear indicators of superiority. What it does determine is that India are far better equipped at turning up and producing a result in a high pressure match against Pakistan, or Pakistan simply cannot handle the pressure. In terms of playing ability and quality, you will see that a regular series of 3-5 games in a span of 1 month instead of 10 years as we have it will produce more 3-2 type score lines

Im not saying about clear indicator & all.
Pressure is same for both sides.

Regular series - IF , it happens, then 3-2 , that is speculation, at the moment, they played 6-7 times in 14 yrs.

Something like - IF Joe’s grandmother has wheels, she would be a bike

[Varun]

I would take a loss against India any day in return for a semi-final spot. Anyone suggesting otherwise has serious issues comprehending sport in general

Do you enjoy the Asia Cup 2012 win despite India beating you in that tournament? (The Kohli 183 one).

[ARK Rafay]

Do you enjoy the Asia Cup 2012 win despite India beating you in that tournament? (The Kohli 183 one).

Looking back at it right now. I think I am content with that. We got the trophy and Afridi got the revenge in the next Asia Cup (2014).

[sweep_shot]

If Pakistan beat India, they should make it to semi-final.

I expect Pakistan to win at least 3 games (Afghanistan and the two teams from qualifier round).

[MenInG]

Babar Azam in the captain's presser:

"Representing my country is an honour for me, and I feel proud to sit here as a captain. This is a big event and a new challenge and I believe we have the ability to do better"

"Good performances always give you confidence, and I am glad that I am in good form before the World Cup and have confidence and am looking forward to the tournament"

"The 2009 win is still in our memories and we are proud of that team which won the T20 World Cup then and we are looking forward to this World Cup and will try our level best"

"We have played a lot of cricket in the UAE under these conditions and they suit us and we know how to play here, we just need to play simple game and do well in all departments"

"Shoaib Malik is one of the fittest guys, he has huge experience so lets see what we decide (on him playing) when we sit together"

"We announced the squad early but the New Zealand and England series did not happen, we did have a domestic tournament but some of the boys were not in good touch but Haider Ali, Fakhar Zaman and Shoaib Malik are in good touch so that's why we changed a little bit to make our best squad"

"The six to 7 games we played in the National T20 Cup have really helped us, after that we had a camp and played one more practice game; As a group we are in good touch and looking to play good cricket in this tournament"

"Rizwan and I have a very good chemistry and he is an amazing batsman and has been playing really well for the last 2 years and he has become an inspiration for all of us; I enjoy batting with him and we try play long innings which is good for the team"

Asked about one batter and one bowler who will be most successful in the WT20

"Batter, I feel Kane Williamson, and bowler, Hassan Ali"

[Usman Chadda]

Do you enjoy the Asia Cup 2012 win despite India beating you in that tournament? (The Kohli 183 one).

Yes, beating India is not the be-all-end-all for Pakistan fans anymore. You enjoy the hype and banter, but at the end of the day India is just another team we have to beat enroute to the trophy.

[Ami]

Here we go again..the beating India hype.
Who cares?
Lets aim to do well..
And, if Pakistan wins the WC, looking forward to fluke arguments for the rest of my life.. !

[ask_analyse_act]

If Babar azam plays his friends instead of the deserving players then they are bound to lose.

One thing that is pretty norm with Pakistan is bad team selection

In every country their will be passenger type players but they will choose the deserving players in the final 11 anyway but only in Pakistan reserve players will be selected based on their friendship with captain and coach. And their non-performance will be neglected because of their close acquaintance but scrutinised a lot when it is a normal player.


I won’t be surprised if Sarfraz replaces Rizwan

From what Babar is saying it seems like he will select the following 11

Babar
Fakhar
Haider Ali
Hafeez
Malik
Sarfraz
Shadab
Imad
Hasan
Haris
Shaheen

And India is gonna pummel them

Otherwise they might select the right 11 and if they lose against India in close margin , all the seniors will be back


What right 11 to me is

Babar
Rizwan
Fakhar
Haider ali
Hafeez
Malik ( better fielder than Asif ali and he won’t struggle against intl bowlers like Asif ali)
Nawaz ( better bowler than Imad and in form batsman front he domestics t20 )
Shahdab
Hasan
Haris
Shaheen

[Manzy2599]

There’s no way Babar will pick sarfraz over Rizwan... he’s already hinted that Rizwan and him will be opening which is the wrong decision when you have a natural opener like Fakhar in the squad especially with his psychological edge over India.

However babar may play both Rizwan and sarfraz in the batting line up which would also be a waste of space. 1 of Haider ali or asif ali should play if they have been selected and I’m almost certain Hafeez and Malik will both be in the lineup at 4/5

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Pakistan have won their last 10 Twenty20 internationals in the United Arab Emirates and captain Babar Azam claims that will give his men the edge over India in their World Cup opener.

The arch-rivals will meet in Dubai on October 24 in what will be the biggest clash of the tournament that starts Sunday in Oman and the UAE.

Pakistan have never won a World Cup match against India, but that does not bother Babar who believes familiarity with the UAE pitches will help them break the jinx.

"Definitely we have played a lot of cricket in the UAE," Babar said in a captain's press conference when asked about his team's dismal 0-5 record against India in T20 World Cup clashes.

"These conditions suit us and we know how to play here. We need to keep things simple in all the departments."

The UAE was Pakistan's home base after the deadly terror attacks on the visiting Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009 forced cricket out of the Asian nation.

Pakistan, who are third in the T20 rankings behind England and India, also have Afghanistan and New Zealand in their group at the World Cup.

Babar acknowledged that captaining the team in the 16-nation tournament was indeed an honour and said his recent form will give him confidence.

"Good performances give you confidence," Babar, who has hit two T20 centuries this year, said.

"I am in form, hence it will benefit me."

Babar, who has over 2,000 T20 runs, tipped Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson to stand out as the tournament's best batter and Pakistan speedster Hasan Ali as the premier bowler.

Meanwhile, India captain Virat Kohli played down the famous rivalry, describing the match with Pakistan as "just another game"

"I have always approached this game as just another game of cricket. I know there is a lot of hype created around this game more so with ticket sales and the demands for tickets," said Kohli.

"Right now the value of those tickets is ridiculously high. So that's all I know, friends asking me for tickets left, right and centre, I refused.

"Yes, the environment, you can say, is different. From the fans' point of view it is definitely louder. From the players' point of view, we stay as professional as we can."

https://www.france24.com/en/live-new...dia-says-babar

[ethan hunt]

He never said this. What a click bait headline.

[Devadwal]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/thetime...ia-says-babar/

He said same thing ,here is Pakistani source .

[Kaddy]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/thetime...ia-says-babar/

He said same thing ,here is Pakistani source .

Even in that article, headline is misleading. I couldn't find "ten match streak in UAE".

[zain7077]

He didn’t say this

[mosh101]

All this talk before game is just noise, we all know the result is not going to be any different to whats been happening in the past.

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Pak will start as favorites against India in UAE

[MenInG]

Babar Azam 50(41) in a low scoring game vs WI

[MenInG]

Speaking to the media:

On whether his side is relaxed or tense coming up to the game

"We have played other big tournaments including the World Cup before so this isn't an issue. We just need to keep thing simple, stay relaxed as that will be helpful for us - we have prepared well and will give our 100% and play good cricket on the day of the game"

Any message from PM for this game?

"No special message as such for this game but we did meet him before we set off for UAE in which he shared his experience about his mindset in the 1992 World Cup and what sort of body language they had for that tournament"

Shadab Khan

"Shadab Khan is one of our main players, his positive body language and his on field performances are there for all to see. He has also bowled well in the practice games. He bats at 7/8 position and there is a need for power-hitting at that point so he has worked hard on it and I do believe he will give his best in the match"

Ramiz message to side

"The PCB Chairman has told us to make sure we stay calm and keep things simple. He asked us to forget about outside pressures and leave them off the field. He told us to believe in ourselves and in our abilities"

Bowlers

"Our bowlers have been very good in the past and been our strength and whenever you win a tournament, its the bowling that wins it for you; Our bowlers are in good shape at the moment, they have experienced and in the past bowled well in World Cup and Champions Trophy"


Battle against Bumrah

"I make sure I do the basics right and keep myself to simple plans and play the ball on merit"

[MenInG]

Ahead of the high-octane clash against India in the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam on Saturday said that his side has a good bowling attack and everyone is experienced of playing in big tournaments like World Cups. The most anticipated encounter of the Super 12 stage will be played on Sunday between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. It will be after two years that these two teams will battle it out on the cricket field, after having last played in the ICC Men's 50-over World Cup in 2019.

"Every team has their own strength, our bowling has always been dominant. When you want to win a big tournament, the onus is on the bowlers to perform well, our bowlers are in good shape. They have experience of playing big tournaments like Champions Trophy, World Cup," said Babar while replying to an ANI query during a pre-match press conference.

"I am always focused on keeping things simple, I try to stick by my game and I just want to take it ball by ball," he added.

Pakistan has never won even a single match against India in the history of World Cups (50-over and 20-over).

"Our preparation is going well, we got good confidence by playing the warm-up games, we will try to give our best on the day. We have decided the 12 players that have been shortlisted for the game, we will name the eleven tomorrow," said Babar.

"It is about staying relaxed, we are in constant touch with all the players. It is about playing well on the day. We have played a lot of cricket here, we know the conditions and we know how to go about it. We have gone for the players that we felt would be the best for the clash against India," he added.

Asked whether Prime Minister Imran Khan had a special message for the team, Babar said, "We met PM Imran Khan before coming here, he shared anecdotes from the 1992 WC triumph, but he gave no special message to us."

Talking about India's record against Pakistan in World Cups, Babar said, "It is about keeping things simple, we need to focus on the basics. We just want to give our best. We should not think about the past, records are made to be broken, we are just focused on what lies ahead."

"It is a World Cup, you cannot take any game lightly. India Pakistan matches are always full of high intensity, you cannot be relaxed at any point. You have to do well in all three basics of the game -- batting, bowling, and fielding. It is not like our bowling is under pressure, we tried different things in the warm-up games. I have full confidence in my team," he added.

NDTV