Pakistan have suffered defeat every time they have faced India in the World Cup and will be hoping to address that poor record when the sides clash in Adelaide. PHOTO: AFP
India lead 5-0 in World Cup head-to-heads but the Pakistan camp is upbeat that they can defeat India for the first time if they believe in themselves.
So much so that the pep talk during Pakistan’s team meeting stretched to 90 minutes, where head coach Waqar Younis, spin-bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed, batting coach Grant Flower, skipper Misbahul Haq and senior players Shahid Afridi and Younus Khan delivered motivational speeches.
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An insider who was present in the meeting revealed that Waqar repeatedly asked the players to believe in their ability and leave the rest aside.
“Waqar kept asking the players to back their strengths,” an insider told The Express Tribune. “He kept telling the players that whatever has happened in the past is history and they can write a new chapter against India. Grant also tried to encourage the players in his own way and the whole team is really charged up for the encounter.”
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan also addressed the team over the phone and told them to be confident in their own abilities and play without fear.
The think-tank is ready to gamble on Younus Khan to open the innings in order to accommodate the in-form Sohaib Maqsood and five specialist bowlers into the side.
Hafeez wishes Pakistan good luck
Injured opener Muhammad Hafeez, who has returned home and has been replaced by Jamshed in the 15-man squad, hoped that Pakistan will live up to the country’s high expectations.
“My best wishes are with the team for their all-important match against India and hopefully they will come out on top as per the expectations,” he said, while talking to The Express Tribune. “Apart from being a player, I’m a fan as well so I’ll be looking forward to the mega event just like any other Pakistani.”
Pressure is on India: Tauseef
Former Test player Tauseef Ahmed feels that the pressure is on defending champions India as they have failed in the 50-over format so far in Australian conditions.
“India made a good move by going to Australia early but they have not benefited from it,” he said. “Despite being there for more than two months, they have struggled in one-dayers and that will play in Pakistan’s favour.”
Tauseef, a former spinner himself, believes that the key may lie in Pakistan’s spin attack. “The two leg-spinners can do the trick for us as Yasir could be the surprise weapon,” he said. “As far as the batting is concerned, I feel Shehzad will be important at the top of the order because if he gets going, he can score a big hundred. Misbah will also have to play the anchor’s role.”
‘It is a new day, a new challenge’
Shoaib Muhammad, who was part of the selection process for the World Cup team, feels that history will matter for little once the two sides take to the ground.
“It won’t matter on match-day that we’ve never beaten India in the past because it’ll be a new day and a new challenge for both sets of players,” said Shoaib. “Pakistan can set the tone for the entire tournament if they beat India in the opener.”
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