Pakistan thriving in Super 12 of T20 World Cup 2021 works well for India: Brian Lara

Pakistan have made an absolutely stellar start to the T20 World Cup 2021 campaign. After ending the long-running losing streak against India with a 10-wicket triumph, the Men in Green defeated New Zealand by five wickets. With the other teams in Group 2 being Namibia, Afghanistan, and Scotland, Pakistan’s spot in the semi-finals is pretty much sealed.

This means India and New Zealand, the other two strong teams in the group, have to battle it out for one spot. Interestingly, these two teams will meet each other in their next assignment and that encounter will hold massive significance. Neither India nor New Zealand can afford to lose as it would hamper their chances of qualifying for the next stage.

India have to beat New Zealand: Brian Lara

Speaking on the matter, West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara said Pakistan solidifying the pinnacle spot would help India to join their neighbours in the knock-out stage.  “I have been a captain. Let me tell you something, the team that beats you in a tournament, you want them to go and win every single match. It sets you up properly. India now have to beat New Zealand,” Brian Lara told Star Sports.

“Of course, they have other games to play but Pakistan running away at the top is perfect for India to sort of look for that second spot,” he added. Former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel, who was a part of the same panel, agreed with Lara’s viewpoint. However, he opined India’s primary concern would be winning the other games.

“I think it definitely suits India more. But if I had been in the Indian dressing room, I wouldn’t have been worried about the other games. It’s quite simple. When you go into a World Cup, you focus on your things. I am sure this Indian team knows they have to win all their games. They wouldn’t have been worried about whether New Zealand won or Pakistan won as long as India wins everything,” Patel added.

Meanwhile, Patel also made a bold prediction, saying fans are likely to witness an Indo-Pak clash in the finals. “We are going to see an India-Pakistan final. These are the two best teams in the competition. It’s going to be those two teams in the final,” he added.

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