Pakistan is hoping for a big win on Sunday against India after losing to Australia in their last match. The green shirts failed to chase a target of 307 runs made by the Aussie squad and were all out on the score of 266 runs.
With four matches, 2 losses and only 3 points on the table, Pakistan chances have slimmed further to reach the World Cup finals.
Pakistan has so far played four matches with one win and two losses while their South Asian counterpart India have played three matches with two wins and a match abandoned due to rain.
On the points table, Pakistan has three points while India has five points.
Talking to SBS Urdu, senior sports journalist in Pakistan, Mirza Iqbal Baig said that Pakistan will have to think of an ‘out of the box’ strategy to beat India.
“India has been playing extremely well in the World Cup so far. Their batsmen have scored consistently and performed outstandingly well even against strong teams.
“Treat the match against India, as the World Cup final.”
“If we compare it with Pakistan’s performance than the team in blue seems stronger and more balanced.
“On the other side, the Pakistan players seem to be demoralised and not playing for the team.”
“Pakistan’s team batsmen only seem to be playing for themselves and not focusing on what is required in the match. Sarfraz Ahmed is not performing as he has in the past; while Fakhar Zaman has also failed to score runs.
“Even Shoaib Malik has not performed at all but he still continues to be part of the team.
“The fielding has been below standard. Several catches were dropped in the match against Australia costing the match.”
World Cup clashes between Pakistan and India:
Both sides have so far played six matches in the previous World Cups. India has won all the encounters against Pakistan.
Following are the World Cups, the winner and the winning runs/wickets:
World Cup, 1992 - India won by 43 runs
World Cup, 1996 -India won by 39 runs
World Cup, 1999 - India won by 47 runs
World Cup, 2003 - India won by 6 wickets
World Cup, 2011 - India won by 29 runs
World Cup, 2015 - India won by 76 runs
Baig recommends an overhaul in the current strategy of Pakistan team in the World Cup.
“Forget about the previous matches and history against India and the recent World Cup matches.
“Pakistan has a lot of potential and can make a comeback anytime.
“We must remember how Pakistan won a great Champions Trophy Final against India.
“India on the other hand is now without Shekar Dhawan, Amir is back in form so if Pakistan’s bowlers can perform well in the match, we might see a new result in the World Cup."
