PHOTO: AFP
Zaheer Abbas, former cricketer for Pakistan and batting legend, said Pakistan have a golden chance to break the jinx and win against India in the upcoming World Cup, NDTV reported on Monday.
Abbas, who was the first batsman to score three consecutive ODI centuries (in 1982-83) against India, said this in reference to India’s recent poor performance in Australia.
“I have seen India's performance in Australia and their first practice match against the hosts yesterday, so I can say that,” he said, from Multan in an interview.
In the last five meetings of the World Cup, India have remained unbeaten by Pakistan. In the upcoming tournament, they will play against each other on February 15 at the Adelaide oval.
"India are the defending champions, so there will be more pressure on them to perform as compared to Pakistan," the 67-year-old Abbas said.
He added that Pakistan has a younger team which was undergoing issues related to injuries, while India, on the other hand, has an experienced team. Abbas said Pakistan would have to give it their all in the first match.
"Indian team is experienced while Pakistan has a young team. They (Pakistan) have fitness issues as well and team combination is also not settled as of now. Batting will be weakened in Hafeez's absence but players are talented and if they can handle the pressure well, they will win," he said.
“I hope that Pakistan can find their team combination right as the injury list is growing day by day,” the former batsman added.
"World cup is a different tournament and they will do well as they (India) have experience of winning the trophy. I can only say that handling the pressure will be the key as far as India-Pakistan match is concerned," he added.
He guesses that Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will make it to the semifinals, with the possibility of either India or Pakistan.
“Hence, the first match is very crucial and it will be really a high voltage contest,” he added.
Further, despite voicing concern about how India’s recent performance was poor, he did not completely dismiss them.
“They could not win a single match there but we cannot write them off,” Abbas said.
“Pakistan does not have bowlers like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram or Waqar Younis now. Indian batting is strong but they are not performing well in Australia.”
Additionally, Abbas, in response to a question regarding which Indian player is one to watch in the upcoming tournament, said it will be Virat Kohli.
“This Indian team does not have Sachin Tendulkar, so all eyes will be on Virat now. He is the best batsman for India and he has to perform to his potential. Indian bowling is looking weak so they have to rely on their batting. They have been playing is Australia for two months now and are acclimatised well,” he said.
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