'Let’s focus on the thing to come as we know records are meant to be broken' - Babar Azam ahead of India clash

Pakistan captain Babar Azam reckoned that “records are meant to be broken” as his team geared up to take on India in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup. The blockbuster clash will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14, Saturday.

Babar stated that his side won't be concerned about the past and will just concentrate on upsetting the two-time champions. Notably, India holds an impeccable 7-0 World Cup record against Pakistan.

“I don’t focus on the past. Let’s focus on the thing to come as we know records are meant to be broken. We will try to play well and it all depends on how you play on the day, just like we did in the first two matches,” Babar said on the eve of the clash.

Babar went on to say that he has told his teammates that Saturday’s game inside the world's largest stadium is a “golden opportunity” for them to create a mark in World Cup history. He also recalled Pakistan's 10-wicket win over India in Dubai in 2021, which ended a T20I World Cup losing streak against India of five games (from 2007 to 2016).

“The India-Pakistan match is a big game, high intensity. Every such game is challenging. I have told (the players) it’s the best opportunity to perform. It is a big stadium that can accommodate many fans, it’s a golden opportunity for us to perform in front of these fans. Didn’t we break the Twenty20 record? I am not worried about the past," he added.

Babar continued by saying that he believes his team will also be cheered by the fans given the fact that 132,000 spectators chanting in support of India.

“It’s not pressure. We have played at big stadiums like at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground). But, yes, all the support, I think, in Ahmedabad will be for India. It would have been better had Pakistan fans been allowed. But I expect fans will also support us as well," the 28-year-old added.

The no. 1 ODI batter noted that the conditions in Ahmedabad are different from those in Hyderabad where Pakistan played two warm-up matches and their two World Cup games. He additionally talked about star speedster Shaheen Afridi, stating he is their main bowler in the tournament.

“Yes, the conditions here are different. You are better off at a venue where you have spent a few days but we will adapt. He is our main bowler. Shaheen himself has a belief that he is a big match bowler,” the captain concluded.