A lifetime opportunity awaits Pakistan players: Shahid Afridi

India and Pakistan share one of the biggest rivalries in cricket history. Every time these two nations face each other, it always creates a frenzied atmosphere. The fact that these two teams don’t play each other frequently and it’s only in multi-nation tournaments adds to the hype of the game. While players try to keep things normal leading into the big game, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi thinks it is a lifetime opportunity.

The pressure is always on in such games and when it’s a World Cup contest, that is the biggest stage of it all. In such situations, it often boils down to holding the nerve and soaking it all up. The fact that Pakistan have never beaten India in the history of World Cups subjects the Men in Green to a lot more pressure. Both teams have played each other six times and India have won on each occasion.

Afridi who was Pakistan’s captain during the 2011 World Cup when his team lost to India in the semi-final termed this game as a ‘lifetime opportunity’ for the players. He tweeted out that he wants the Pakistan team to play with a free mind and spirit and that the whole nation backs the team when they take the field.

A lifetime opportunity awaits Pakistan players today, give it your all and enjoy the occasion. Play with a free mind and spirit. Pakistan is backing you! Pakistan Zindabad. #WeHaveWeWill

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 16, 2019

At the Old Trafford in Manchester under overcast conditions, it was the Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed who won the toss. Considering the fact that the pitch was under covers for the last few days and the current situation he elected to bowl first. The general perception was runs on the board is key to the team’s success.

He unleashed Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali at Rohit Sharma and his new opening partner KL Rahul. The duo had to be cautious to start with but after facing through a few overs it was easy pickings for the Indians. While Amir build pressure at one end Hassan wasn’t able to maintain it and let the openers cut loose. There were a few chances, even run out opportunities but sloppy Pakistan fielding let them off the hook each time.

Both the openers have already got to their fifties and is an ominous sign for the Pakistan team that is looking at chasing a massive total.