Ahmedabad, 14 October 2023 (TDI): The Pakistan-India cricket team has geared up for an epic World Cup showdown, set to take place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday.
With a history of being two-time World Cup champions, India holds an impeccable 7-0 record against Pakistan in 50-overs World Cup clashes, making this encounter a colossal event in cricket’s world.
Skipper Babar Azam acknowledges the daunting task that lies ahead, yet he remains undaunted, seeing this match as a golden opportunity to change the narrative.
“I don’t think about the past, I’d rather focus on the future,” Babar declared, wearing a wry smile. “All records are meant to be broken, and we’ll try to break this record tomorrow.”
While acknowledging the historical weight of this fixture, Babar Azam’s approach focuses on the outcome of the performance of the day. Pakistan has kicked off their World Cup campaign with two impressive victories, instilling confidence in their captain.
“It boils down to how you perform on the day of the match. We have done pretty well in the first two matches, and I have full belief we’ll do well in the next match as well,” Babar affirmed.
Emphasizing the importance of handling the pressure in the fiercest rivalry in cricket, Babar Azam imparts a message to his teammates – see this as an opportunity to etch their names into the annals of cricketing history.
“India-Pakistan match is a big game, a high-intensity contest. I’ve told my boys it’s a great opportunity – give your best, execute your plans, and believe in yourself,” he stated.
The Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket venue, will be packed to the brim, setting the stage for an unforgettable spectacle.
Babar Azam recognizes the magnitude of this occasion, saying, “It’s a massive stadium, and there would be a big crowd. This is a golden opportunity for us to perform in front of such a big audience.”
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The performance of Pakistan in this high-stakes encounter may very well hinge on their pace spearhead, Shaheen Afridi, who has previously troubled India’s top order.
With his new-ball partner, Naseem Shah ruled out due to a shoulder injury, the responsibility on Afridi’s shoulders has increased.
Babar Azam, however, expresses unwavering faith in the left-arm quick, dubbing him as a “champion bowler” and “big-match bowler” who thrives on big occasions.
The magnitude of the Pakistan-India cricket contest is evident not only in the stadium but also in the fanfare around it.
While the stadium will be packed to its limits, there may be virtually no support for the visitors, as fans from across the border are still awaiting visas for travel to India.
Pakistan journalists have only recently received their visas to travel ahead of this monumental clash.
With the world watching, Babar Azam and his team are poised to take on their arch-rivals with determination, grit, and a strong desire to script history.
