The stage is all set for one of the biggest matches of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 as arch-rivals India and Pakistan will lock horns at the spectacular Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahemdabad on Saturday.
Both teams share a rich cricketing history. While Pakistan dominate India head-to-head in the ODI format, with 73 wins to their name as compared to 56 losses, the “Men in Blue” have an enviable record in the Cricket World Cup.
Ever since their first-ever World Cup match in 1992, India haven’t lost a single World Cup game against Pakistan.
Ahead of Saturday’s match, skipper Babar Azam was asked about Pakistan’s poor 0-7 record against India in the ODI World Cup history and he said that there is no point in focusing on the past.
“I believe there is no point focusing on whatever has happened in the past. I believe we need to focus on what is ahead of us,” said Babar in the pre-match press conference.
“All these streaks are made to be broken. God willing, we will try to give our best tomorrow. Anything can happen on the day. I fully believe my team has done well in the first three matches, and will continue doing so in the coming matches, ” he added.
Asked about the pressure of reversing the record, the Pakistan captain called Saturday’s game a great opportunity.
“India-Pakistan is a big game, high-intensity game. All I have said to the boys is: give yourselves the best opportunity to win. Keep doing what you have been doing. execute your plans, keep your belief, Ahmedabad is a big stadium, a lot of people are coming, but this is a great opportunity for us to do well in front of them, ” Babar said.
The Narendra Modi Stadium is the largest cricket stadium in the world, with a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators. So, it will probably be the biggest crowd Pakistan will have ever played against and India will get the massive support of the home crowd.
“This is not pressure. We have played in front of large crowds before. MCG and all the big stadiums. Yes, this is also a big stadium. And yes, Ahmedabad will be mostly blue,” said Babar.
“If Pakistan fans had been allowed, they would have loved to support us. But when we entered Hyderabad, we saw a lot of supporters of Pakistan team. I expect the same, and we are looking forward to the match, ” he concluded.
The stakes are higher in the much-anticipated group stage match between India and Pakistan after both teams won their opening two matches of the ongoing ODI 2023 World Cup.