Pakistan Determined Ahead of Clash with India
Facing the Arch-Rivals
Following an embarrassing loss to co-hosts USA, Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten assured that Babar Azam’s team won’t require any extra motivation for their T20 World Cup match against India on Sunday. Pakistan, last edition’s finalists, began their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign poorly, losing to the USA in a Super Over. They will face India on a challenging pitch at the Nassau County stadium. “It’s a big game, India versus Pakistan, there’s no need for me to motivate the team anymore. They are well-motivated and focused,” Kirsten said on the eve of the match.
Moving Forward
Kirsten emphasized the importance of forgetting the past and moving forward. “We have to forget about the last couple of days and just move forward; that’s the only way you can deal with life. Results are results and they take care of themselves,” the coach added.
India’s Advantage Debated
While India has been based in New York and played two matches, including a warmup game against Bangladesh, Pakistan will be playing at this venue for the first time in this tournament. Kirsten downplayed the idea of this being an advantage for India. “We were going to go out there and make sure we do the best with our skill sets and put pressure on the opposition,” he said. “I’m not sure because I can’t predict what’s going to happen. I don’t know whether it’ll be an advantage.”
Different Feeling
Kirsten, who was India’s coach during the 2011 World Cup when the two teams clashed in the semifinal in Mohali, noted that this contest feels different. “I think it is a little bit different because it’s not in India or Pakistan,” he said. Despite his experience with Indian players, Kirsten did not believe he could offer any additional insights. “These players have seen enough of each other. We want to make sure we get our game right based on the conditions.”
Team Effort Needed
Kirsten stressed the need for a team effort to challenge India. “It’s never nice, not winning games. The important thing for us is to operate genuinely as a team. Yes, we need individuals to perform well, but in games like this, a real team effort is needed. What happened two days ago is forgotten,” he added.
Balanced Approach
Admitting that pace bowling is Pakistan’s strength, Kirsten highlighted the importance of a balanced team. “Pace bowling is certainly a strength of ours, but we like to look at the balance of our team. We want to make sure we’ve got spin options, good seam options, and a deep batting line-up,” he concluded.(Dubai7 realmoneygame)