Cricket is serious business both sides of the border and there will be some who might have divided loyalties given the history of the sub-continent.
Cricket is serious business both sides of the border and there will be some who might have divided loyalties given the history of the sub-continent.
Ahead of India and Pakistan’s showdown in Manchester, Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed’s uncle Mehboob Hassan expressed desire that India shouldn’t just beat Pakistan but bring home the cup.
"World Cup is very important. I hope India comes out triumphant against Pakistan. Every match is important, but I just hope India comes out as the winner," Hassan told ANI.
Hassan hoped for Sarfaraz's good performance in the match. But he said Pakistan team does not have many good players. He acknowledged that Pakistan has good bowlers, but said every match cannot be won just by putting up good bowling performances.
"I wish my nephew performs well in the match. He is my nephew. It does not matter that he plays for Pakistan. In tomorrow's match, I hope he performs well. If he keeps on performing well, he can hold on to his captaincy. But the World Cup will be won by our India," Hassan said.
1. 'Every player is world class'
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"Every player in the Indian team is a world-class player. Our country will be the winner of the World Cup. Pakistan's players are not well equipped to tackle every situation. Bowlers do not win you each game. The batsmen also need to step up," he added.
Hassan also hoped for the betterment of relations between India and Pakistan. He even said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is progressing.
"I wish relations between India and Pakistan improve. Our country is one of the fast developing nations. I just hope the relations between the two countries improve. Our Prime Minister Modi is doing good work. Under his leadership, the country is progressing," Hassan said.
2. Fans pray for Kohli and Co
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People in Varanasi were seen offering prayers on the bank of river Ganga ahead the India-Pakistan match.
On the eve of India-Pakistan match in Manchester, Men in Blue's skipper Virat Kohli dismissed any question of pressure in playing against arch-rivals Pakistan in the World Cup.
"I don't see it a massive challenge. If you play good cricket, follow the basics better than the opposite. Then you end up winning the game. If we do our skills well that is enough. Our focus will be that and to do it consistently as it is a long tournament," Kohli said at the pre-match conference.
3. Team India keeping it cool
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"The mood, atmosphere in the dressing room hasn't changed. No one game is more special or less important than others regardless of the opposition. We are the top side of the cricket we play. Our focus is on basics which make us consistent. If you don't play well on the day, the opposition can win," he added.
India has so far won two matches in the World Cup. They defeated both South Africa and Australia. Their last game against New Zealand got abandoned due to rain.
On the other hand, Pakistan has won just one match in the World Cup so far. They were able to stun tournament hosts England, but they suffered defeats at the hands of West Indies and Australia. Their match against Sri Lanka got abandoned due to rain.
India and Pakistan lock horns with each other on June 16 in Manchester.
