Reappointed Pakistan captain Babar Azam admits the high-octane India-Pakistan clash at any level is full of pressure, but keeping a cool and calm head helps. As both arch-rivals get ready for the marquee tie in New York in the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 9, Babar reflected on some ‘hits and misses’ from the last edition, where they lost to the Men in Blue in a thriller at the MCG.
Speaking on PCB’s podcast, released on the team’s official social media handles, Babar admits losing to Zimbabwe was the lowest point in that tournament and that Pakistan should have beaten India, given their position in that game at one stage.
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Although Pakistan played the final against England, they began poorly, losing two straight games against Zimbabwe and India. Against the African nation, Pakistan fell shy of the target, going down in the last over while India’s Virat Kohli single-handedly won the game against them in the match ‘dubbed as the best’ in the competition history.
“For me, in 2022, we could and should have won the India game, but they took it away. The most hurtful was the defeat against Zimbabwe. It hurts more because we had played good cricket against India, and people were praising our performance and fightback,” the Pakistan captain recalled two heartbreaking losses in the previous edition.
People talk about the India-Pakistan game everywhere
India vs Pakistan is the mother of all clashes, especially in cricket. Their history and current status on the international ground make this clash interesting for the fans to watch, and Babar thinks on the same line.
Placed together in Group A alongside the tournament’s co-host, the USA, Canada, Ireland, India and Pakistan will square off at the newly-built 34,000-capacity Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York.
Speaking on the craze that tags along with this game, Babar said nothing tops this match as it’s full of pressure, and everyone talks about India vs Pakistan.
“We know the Pakistan-India fixture generates more discussion than any other match.”
“Wherever you go in the world, you’ll have people talking about the India-Pakistan match with everyone supporting their country. Every fan eagerly waits for this fixture and focuses on this one particular match.”
“Obviously, the expectations and the hype around this match cause some nervousness. It all comes down to how you handle it, and the more you focus on the basics, the easier it will be for you as a player.”
“It’s a game of immense pressure, and if you keep your head cool, stay calm and trust your hard work and skills, things will be easier,” Babar said.
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