Ahmedabad, 13 Oct 2023: Pakistan is set to engage in a high-stakes battle with India in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, marking the first One-Day International match the two rivals will play on Indian soil in 10 years, according to a press release from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Scheduled at the expansive Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday, the game comes as billions of cricket enthusiasts globally prepare to witness the momentous event. Both teams ride into this face-off buoyed by victories in their initial matches and embody a palpable intensity that foretells a memorable encounter.
The competition evokes significant recollections, as the last bilateral encounter on Indian soil concluded with Pakistan defeating the hosts 2-1. Both teams demonstrated formidable prowess in their opening matches; India vanquished Australia in Chennai and Afghanistan in Delhi, while Pakistan registered the highest-ever chase in World Cup history in Hyderabad, featuring noteworthy centuries from Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan, on Tuesday. The latter’s team initiated their World Cup journey with a decisive 81-run triumph over the Netherlands.
Expressing his views, Hasan Ali, renowned for his contribution to the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and the 2019 iteration of the 50-over World Cup, disclosed to PCB Digital that the initial consecutive wins have notably elevated the team’s confidence. He highlighted how notable performances, such as the record chase against Sri Lanka and commendable displays against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, boost team morale and self-assurance when embarking on a tournament.
In a match against Sri Lanka that saw a flurry of runs, Hasan was a standout bowler with figures of four for 71 in 10 overs. He skillfully removed key players at crucial moments, skillfully navigating the flat pitch and aggressive play from the opposition. His strategic use of variations and apt planning according to field setting demonstrated his skill and experience in the high-pressure environment of international cricket.
When reflecting on the impending Pakistan versus India contest, Hasan expressed excitement at the global anticipation and in playing at a venue that hosts over 100,000 fans. Although Pakistan boasts a favourable win/loss ratio over India, they have not bested them in a 50-over World Cup match. Hasan acknowledged, “Records are meant to be broken and we too are looking forward to breaking this jinx of not having beaten India in a 50-over World Cup.”
He further added that India might feel the heat of pressure, given the match is on their home ground and fans will be amassing in support. While big games inherently carry tension, Pakistan intends to seize momentum early on and clinch the contest.