In a resolute statement made in Ahmedabad, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam,expressed his determination to shatter India’s World Cup dominance when thearch-rivals face off on Saturday.
Despite Pakistan enjoying a 73-56 overall advantage in their head-to-headone-day international clashes since their inaugural meeting in 1978, Indiahas maintained a perfect 7-0 record against Pakistan in World Cupencounters.
Azam, however, remains unfazed by history, asserting, “I don’t focus onthe past. Let’s concentrate on what’s to come, as we know that records aremade to be broken.”
He emphasized that their performance on the day will be the decidingfactor, much like their successful outings against the Netherlands and SriLanka in the current World Cup. The Pakistan captain encouraged his playersby describing Saturday’s showdown at Ahmedabad’s colossal 132,000-seatstadium as a “golden opportunity” to etch their names in World Cup history.
Azam acknowledged the magnitude of an India-Pakistan match, noting its highintensity and challenging nature, recalling his participation in the 2019World Cup match in Manchester, which India won by 89 runs. Under Azam’sleadership, Pakistan ended a streak of five consecutive Twenty20 World Cupdefeats to India with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory in Dubai in 2021.
He maintained his focus on the present, stating, “Didn’t we break theTwenty20 record? I am not worried about the past.” Azam also brushed asideconcerns about the overwhelming support for India in Ahmedabad, as Pakistanfans have faced difficulties securing visas to attend.
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He viewed it as an opportunity for his team to thrive under pressure,adding that he expects support from the fans, even in India.
Notably, visa issues for Pakistan fans have arisen due to strainedrelations between the two nations, who haven’t engaged in a bilateralcricket series since 2007, despite Pakistan’s limited-over tour of India in2012.
Azam acknowledged the differences in playing conditions between Hyderabad,where they had warm-up matches, and Ahmedabad, where they’ve played theirinitial World Cup fixtures, but remained confident in their adaptability.
Regarding their star pace bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has yet to findhis form in the tournament, Azam expressed faith in his abilities, stating,”He is our main bowler. Shaheen himself believes he is a big-match bowler.”