MIRPUR: Team India is fancying its chances quite strongly against Pakistan in the semifinal to be played at Mohali on March 30, and their confidence obviously stems from their awe-inspiring track record against the arch-rivals. Since the 1992 Cup, India faced Pakistan four times and emerged winners on all occasions.
"We are happy that Pakistan are our opponents in the semifinals and we are ready for them. We have a good track record against them in the World Cup and we will draw a lot of inspiration from that. Even the last time we played them in the Asia Cup, we were able to beat them," an Indian player, who didn't wish to be named, said.
Notwithstanding this piece of record, India are not taking Pakistan lightly and respect the fact that they also played consistent cricket to reach the semis, like India. "We are not going to take any match lightly. The Australia win was very satisfying, but we have to move on and get ready for the Pakistan game," the cricketer said.
With the biggest game of the World Cup coming up, the celebration of annihilating Australia has been muted. "Pressure will be huge, but we are ready for it," a team source said.
Along with the batting, which is India's forte, the team is relieved that the bowlers have finally joined the party. "With Ashwin coming into the playing XI, the bowling unit now looks very good. Hope we can continue to do like this in the next two matches," a team source said.
Team India is likely to reach Mohali by Saturday and hit the nets right on Sunday to sharpen their game for the big battle. "The couple of days rest should do a lot of good before they begin their preparation for the big game," said the sources.
With five days remaining for the high-octane clash, India would like to cover up all the bases.
toi
"We are happy that Pakistan are our opponents in the semifinals and we are ready for them. We have a good track record against them in the World Cup and we will draw a lot of inspiration from that. Even the last time we played them in the Asia Cup, we were able to beat them," an Indian player, who didn't wish to be named, said.
Notwithstanding this piece of record, India are not taking Pakistan lightly and respect the fact that they also played consistent cricket to reach the semis, like India. "We are not going to take any match lightly. The Australia win was very satisfying, but we have to move on and get ready for the Pakistan game," the cricketer said.
With the biggest game of the World Cup coming up, the celebration of annihilating Australia has been muted. "Pressure will be huge, but we are ready for it," a team source said.
Along with the batting, which is India's forte, the team is relieved that the bowlers have finally joined the party. "With Ashwin coming into the playing XI, the bowling unit now looks very good. Hope we can continue to do like this in the next two matches," a team source said.
Team India is likely to reach Mohali by Saturday and hit the nets right on Sunday to sharpen their game for the big battle. "The couple of days rest should do a lot of good before they begin their preparation for the big game," said the sources.
With five days remaining for the high-octane clash, India would like to cover up all the bases.
toi
No comments:
Post a Comment