Former Pakistan cricketer Inzamam Ul Haq has revealed that the game against arch rivals India is like the final before the world cup final. Pakistan and India have rich cricketing history. They had shared some incredible nerve racking matches over the past few decades.
However, when it comes to world cups, there is only one winner. India had managed to win all the six world cup games against Pakistan in ODI format. There is lot of pressure on both sets of players when they play in India vs Pakistan match in a world cup. To be honest, many fans think that winning against their arch rival is bigger than winning the coveted trophy.
Speaking to ANI, Inzamam said, “Whenever India and Pakistan take on each other in the World Cup, it’s a final before a final. People are always excited about this match. The stadium has a capacity of 24,000 but 8 lakh people applied for the tickets of this match. So it gives you an idea of how big this match is.”
Dubbed as mother of all world cup matches, the hype on India vs Pakistan is pretty high since the schedule was released. The fans are eagerly waiting for the match on Sunday at Old Trafford, Manchester.
It is expected that around 1.5 billion fans will be tuning in to watch this match.
Meanwhile, Inzamam-ul-Haq believes the team which will play better on the day will be the winner. The legendary cricketer also backed Pakistan to win the game as the team are in dire need of a win to keep their hopes alive.
“In India-Pakistan matches, past performances do not matter and it all depends on who is better on the match day. I hope Pakistan will come out triumphant and I hope people get to enjoy a good quality of the game of cricket. Pakistan has won just one match in the tournament so far. I hope the fortunes changes for the team,” added the former right-hander.
However, Inzamam also revealed whomsoever plays well in India-Pakistan game, will be cherished by the fans for a long time. But the former Pakistan skipper also urged fans to treat the clash between the arch rivals as just another game.
“It’s a big match, the pressure will always be there. If you perform well in this match, it gives you high satisfaction. I urge people to treat this match just as a match,” concluded Inzamam.
India will start as favorites for this epic clash. The Men in Blue looked dominant in their wins against South Africa and Australia. On the other hand, Pakistan had a mixed world cup so far. They managed just one win in their four games. But a loss against India would be the final coffin their hopes to qualify for semi finals.
Considering the quality in the team, India are firm favorites. But no one can underestimate this dangerous Pakistan team.