Pakistan wouldn't mind facing India in semi-finals, says Misbah

It will be another opportunity for Pakistan to try and break the jinx of not winning a match against India, he adds

Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq has said Pakistan would not mind facing India in the semi-finals if it progresses beyond the quarter-finals in World Cup 2015.

In an exclusive interview from Adelaide on Tuesday, Misbah said it would be another opportunity for them to try and break the jinx of not winning a match against their arch-rival in the tournament.

"It will be another chance for us to go there with a positive frame of mind. We would take it like another opportunity for us to break the shackles as we have never won against India in the World Cup," he said.

India beat Pakistan in their opening match of the continuing mega event at Adelaide.

Read: Misbah senses World Cup within Pakistan’s reach

"We just have to go in with a positive frame of mind and self-belief and do our best," added the captain.

The 40-year-old Misbah, who has been the team captain since late 2010, made it clear he was confident Pakistan could beat Australia in the quarterfinals on Friday.

"Even though we have lost Muhammad Irfan, which is a big blow to us, we can do it. If we can beat South Africa which is one of the finest sides then we can do it against Australia,” he said. “Regardless of Australia's form it is all about performing on the day.”

Regarding India’s performance, Misbah said it had performed up to expectations.

"They are the defending champions -- the biggest motivation for them -- and they have been playing in Australia for last three months…," he said.

Misbah made it clear that his team had regained self-belief after four wins on the trot.

Read: Losing Irfan ‘huge setback’, says Misbah

"I can tell you this team wants to win it for our people. I also want to do it because it is my last one-day tournament....people have high expectations from us since we won the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand before and we want to do it for them again."

The article originally appeared in The Times of India