As anticipation mounts for the highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India in the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup, Pakistani all-rounder Shadab Khan exudes confidence in his team’s ability to handle the pressure and make a mark on the grand stage.
The leg-spinner believes that the Pakistani players possess the mental fortitude to navigate the challenges that await them in Ahmedabad, where the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium will set the backdrop for this high-voltage encounter.Â
Shadab backs Pakistani players to perform well against India in the 2023 World Cup
The history between the two cricketing giants is steeped in fierce competition and riveting battles on the field. India’s stronghold over Pakistan in 50-over World Cup matches has remained unbroken since the 1992 edition. With a remarkable 7-0 record against their neighbors, India enters the contest as the favorites. However, Shadab Khan is undeterred by the past statistics and firmly believes in the resilience and determination of the Pakistani side.Â
Speaking to Cricket Pakistan.pk, Shadab expressed his confidence in the mental strength of the Pakistani players, a quality he believes will play a pivotal role in the upcoming match against India. “We won’t have the crowd support in India. In that sense, we’ll have to be very strong mentally. The way our players are, mentally strong, I think we’ll have a good tournament,” he asserted.Â
Shadab recalls defeating India in the T20 World Cup a couple of years ago
While winning the World Cup is the ultimate aspiration for any team, Shadab emphasizes the importance of starting the tournament strong. For him, the icing on the cake would be lifting the coveted trophy on Indian soil. “Winning the World Cup in India will be like the icing on the cake… Definitely, whichever team comes will come to win the tournament, but the key is how you as a team play and how you start because we will have to play against every team; it’s a great opportunity for all the teams,” he commented.Â
The 24-year-old cricketer holds a special memory of their triumph against India, having been a part of Pakistan’s only World Cup victory (T20I) against their rivals in Dubai two years ago when they emerged victorious with a resounding 10-wicket win.Â
Shadab Khan, who has recently returned to the fold for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka and the subsequent Asia Cup, is poised to make a significant impact with his skills. Alongside him, the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf have also made their way back into the team, bolstering Pakistan’s lineup.Â
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