MM News

LAHORE: Skipper Babar Azam has asserted that Pakistan have won their last 10 Twenty20 internationals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that will give his men the edge over India in their World Cup opener.

Pakistan will take on India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 24. The Men in Green have never won a World Cup match against India, but that does not bother Babar who believes familiarity with the UAE pitches will help them break the jinx.

“We’ve been playing cricket in UAE for the past 3-4 years and we know the conditions really well,” Babar said in a captain’s press conference when asked about his team’s dismal 0-5 record against India in T20 World Cup clashes.

“We know how the wicket will behave and the adjustments batters will have to make. These conditions suit us and we know how to play here. If you ask me, we will win,” added the star batsman, who is set to play his first T20 World Cup

He continued, “We know the pressure and the high intensity of each game, especially the first one. Hopefully, we can win the match and carry the momentum forward. We are not thinking of the past but the future. We are preparing for that.”

The United Arab Emirates was Pakistan’s home base after the deadly terror attacks on the visiting Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009 forced cricket out of the Asian nation. Pakistan also have Afghanistan and New Zealand in their group at the World Cup.

Babar acknowledged that captaining the team in the 16-nation tournament was indeed an honour and said his recent form will give him confidence. “Good performances give you confidence,” Babar, who has hit two T20 centuries this year, said.

Talking about his side which is a blend of youth and experience, Azam said all the players have entered the side after a good domestic performance. “We have a lot to learn from the senior players in the side because they have so much experience,” he added.

Responding to a question regarding the newly-appointed foreign coaches, Babar said, “Hayden and Philander bring a lot of experience. Our attempt will be to learn from them as much as we can and quickly. The boys have the ability to absorb quickly and mix with them.”

Meanwhile, India captain Virat Kohli played down the famous rivalry, describing the match with Pakistan as just another game. “I have always approached this game as just another game of cricket. I know there is a lot of hype created around this game more so with ticket sales and the demands for tickets,” said Kohli.

“Right now the value of those tickets is ridiculously high. So that’s all I know, friends asking me for tickets left, right and centre, I refused,” he added.

Pakistan will play their warm-up matches against West Indies on October 18 and South Africa on October 20 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively.