Dubai 27 August : In advance of the highly-anticipated match between India and Pakistan in Asia Cup 2022, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has said that even though the team is focusing on positive things about the win by 10 wickets over India in the Men’s T20 World Cup last year in Dubai but the team will bear in the mind the fact that Asia Cup matches are being played in new conditions.Sunday’s match in Dubai will be the return of the “greatest rivalry” in the entire world of cricket, when India and Pakistan begin their Asia Cup Group A campaign.It is also the first time they will meet the two teams following their face each other in the men’s T20 World Cup last year in the UAE where Pakistan won a thrilling 10-wicket victory over India the first time they have achieved this victory in the Men’s World Cups.
“I am aware that there is a lot of enthusiasm in both countries, but for us, it’s simply another match.
The preparations we have made for this game are flawless and we’ll be on the field with confidence.Our win against India 11 months ago at the same place is a great reference point, but that’s not all.While we continue to think about the victory in a positive way Sunday and any subsequent matches to come will be new matches that will play in the new environment,” Azam said.Azam on the day of the match.
Before the beginning of their participation in the Asia Cup, Pakistan were faced with problems such as the absence of left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi due to an injury to his right knee and in the last few days, right-arm pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr.was eliminated due to an injury to his side.
“We have a team full of excellent cricketers and match-winners.They will be able to step up in the absence of Shaheen Shah Afridi and assume more accountability for the event.
For 2021’s T20 World Cup, we have already proved that we aren’t a one-man team.Five league games we had five players in each of the games,” observed Azam.
Azam was also moved by the thought that Indian players such as Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Yuzvendra Chahal and K.L Rahul were able to meet injured Afridi and inquired regarding his recuperation from knee injury.However, he reminded the players that Pakistan will be fighting hard to win the match on Sunday.
“I was truly amazed by the way they greeted Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Thursday’s training session and showed their gratitude to him.The images of the players interacted with each other were touching and showed the respect and friendship they have.On the day of the match the entire world will be set to a minimum and the players from either side will be fiercely pursuing each one in the hope of destroying each other.”
If both sides advance through the Super Four stage from Group A, which includes qualifying who have won Hong Kong, India and Pakistan could meet again on September 4, with the game on the 11th of September, if both teams rank in the top two spots in Super Four.
“I have always believed that that you don’t require any additional motivation to play or play for Pakistan.
Being a part of your country’s performance on the world stage is a tremendous honor and pride.The aim is always to do Pakistan proud,” concluded Azam.
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