Misbah has asked his team to back their strengths when they take to the field on Sunday. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq regards Sunday’s key clash against India at the Adelaide Oval as an opportunity to end an embarrassing string of World Cup flops against the arch-rivals.
“This is a chance to create history,” Misbah said on Saturday, ahead of the sell-out blockbuster that will be followed by millions in both nations and around the world. “India-Pakistan is always all about pressure. The best thing to do is just enjoy the game, enjoy the atmosphere, go there and be positive.”
The Pakistan captain was not worried that his team’s opening match in the 14-nation tournament was a high-voltage encounter against India. “You have to be ready to play against any team at any time if you want to do well in a tournament,” he said. “The key is to not take anything into the field when you play India. I think you need to focus on your game, go there and play your best.”
Misbah will be inspired by Pakistan’s title victory under Imran Khan when the World Cup was last played Down Under in 1992, but is burdened with a team weakened by injuries and suspensions.
“Obviously senior players and good performers are key to a team’s success, but life goes on,” said Misbah. “Injuries are part and parcel of life. We should focus on what we have got, and we need to believe that whatever we have got is the best.”
Misbah was reluctant to talk about India’s dismal tour of Australia over the last three months where MS Dhoni’s team lost the Tests 2-0 and did not win a single match in the subsequent tri-series. “We are not thinking about what India is doing and what their performances are,” he said. “I think we need to focus on our strengths and our game.”
A winning start for either team will boost their hopes of taking one of the four quarter-final spots from a pool which includes South Africa, West Indies, Ireland, Zimbabwe and UAE.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 15th, 2015.
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