Islamabad / June,16 : Hours befolre the crucial fixture between India and Pakistan started at Machester in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan offered some advice to captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. Urging the Pakistan team to “banish all fear of losing” and fight till the last ball, the former world cup winning Pakistani captain advised Sarfaraz to play with “specialist batsmen and bowlers”.
He further added that Sarfaraz should bat first if he wins the toss. “Unless pitch is damp, Sarfaraz must win the toss & bat. even though India may be the favourites, banish all fear of losing. Just give your best and fight till the last ball,” the prime minister added. He also advised the team to not succumb to pressure and give their best.
“Given the intensity of the match, both teams will come under great mental pressure and the power of the mind will decide the outcome of the match today. In Sarfaraz we are fortunate to have a bold captain & today he will have to be at his daring best,” Imran said.With India going into the match as favourites, Khan said: “Finally, even though India may be the favourites, banish all fear of losing. Just give your best and fight till the last ball. Then accept whatever the result like true sportsmen. The nation’s prayers are with all of you.”
India has never lost to Pakistan in a (50-over) world cup match. It had won all the six games it faced Pakistan and won the toss in five of them.
In this year’s tournament, India has so far won two out of three games. Its last match against New Zealand was washed out due to rains.
All eyes are on the weather which has so far played a spoilsport in four games of the world cup. The forcasts for Manchester on Sunday predict the day to be mostly cloudy along with light showers during the latter half of the day. Halogen lamps were being used to dry up the outfield at Old Trafford cricket ground on the eve of the India-Pakistan clash.
