In a firm display of determination, Pakistan captain Babar Azam dismissed India’s World Cup domination, arguing that “records are meant to be broken.” As the two deadly rivals prepare to square off, Babar Azam stays calm.
Despite Pakistan’s overall advantage of 73-56 in one-day internationals since 1978, India has a dominating 7-0 record versus Pakistan in World Cup contests.
“I don’t dwell on the past,” Azam explained. “Let’s focus on what lies ahead because we know records are meant to be broken.”
Babar Azam’s team has gathered momentum at the World Cup after two convincing victories over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka.
Azam sees the next match in Ahmedabad‘s massive 132,000-capacity stadium as a “golden opportunity” for his squad to make World Cup history.
“The India-Pakistan match is a high-intensity showdown,” Azam admitted.
“Every such game is difficult, but I’ve told the players it’s the best chance to perform.” It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to show off our skills in front of these supporters.”
Pakistan overcame a five-match losing record against India in the Twenty20 World Cup in Dubai in 2021, under Azam’s leadership.
“Didn’t we break the Twenty20 record?” says Azam, unfazed by the past. “I’m not concerned with the past.”
The prospect of a primarily Indian audience, with few Pakistani fans obtaining permits to attend, does not discourage Azam. He believes that the audience’s support in Ahmedabad will motivate his team.
“It’s not pressure,” Azam confirmed. “We’ve played in stadiums as large as the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground).”
However, I believe India will receive the majority of the support in Ahmedabad.
It would have been preferable if Pakistani fans had been present, but I believe people will still support us.”
Due to the tense relations between the two nations, Pakistan supporters all over the world have experienced visa issues.
Bilateral cricket series have been absent since 2007, and while Pakistan visited India for limited-over matches in 2012, full tours have remained elusive since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Azam admitted that the conditions in Ahmedabad differed from those in Hyderabad, where Pakistan played their first World Cup games.
“Yes, the conditions here are different,” said Azam. “You are better off at a venue where you’ve spent some time, but we will adapt.”
Pakistan looks to its speed spearhead, Despite Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has yet to reach his full potential in the tournament, to lead them to victory.
Babar Azam believes on him, “He is our main bowler. Shaheen considers himself a big-match bowler.”
As Pakistan and India prepare for this historic match, the cricketing world awaits a duel that has the capacity to rewrite history.
