COLOMBO: Pakistan boosted their preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup clash against arch-rivals India with a 32-run victory over the United States in a Group A fixture on Tuesday, expressing confidence ahead of the high-profile encounter.
Opener Sahibzada Farhan starred with the bat, scoring 73 runs to guide Pakistan to their second consecutive win of the tournament, following an earlier triumph over the Netherlands.
“The match is on and we are in a confident mood,” Farhan said after the game, referring to Sunday’s much-anticipated contest against defending champions India in Colombo.
Pakistan’s record against India in ICC events has been challenging. The national side has secured only one win in eight T20 World Cup meetings and has yet to defeat India in eight encounters at the 50-over World Cup. In last year’s Asia Cup, India defeated Pakistan three times, including in the final.
However, spinner Tariq Usman, who claimed 3 wickets for 27 runs against the USA, said past statistics would not weigh on the team’s mindset.
“We used to beat India in the 1990s and before, so you cannot judge everything on recent ICC records,” he remarked.
Farhan echoed the sentiment, promising an improved performance. “This time it will be different and we will give a strong performance. The Asia Cup matches were competitive and not one-sided,” he said.
Pakistan entered the tournament on the back of a 3-0 T20 series sweep against Australia at home, with players highlighting strong morale within the camp.
“Wins always give you confidence, and we will carry this momentum into Sunday’s game,” Farhan added.
India, meanwhile, are scheduled to face Namibia in their next Group A fixture in New Delhi on Thursday before travelling to Sri Lanka for the marquee clash.
The Pakistan-India encounter remains one of the most anticipated and commercially significant fixtures in international cricket.