Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, former Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Zahid stated that more often than not, Pakistan versus India matches are won by the mentally tougher team.

"These matches are very high intensity and there is a lot of pressure on the players. Most of the time, its the team who is mentally better prepared and mentally tougher on the day that comes out on top. The players who control their nerves will be the ones that perform well in these matches" stated Zahid.

Zahid who appeared in 5 ODIs against India in the Sahara Cup which was played in Canada added "I think India has the slightly better overall team balance, but make no mistake, this Pakistan team on its day can beat anyone put in front of them. You could put a World XI up against Pakistan and on their day they could beat them. Pakistan's bowling depth can win them the game and Aamer and Gul in my opinion will be the key men for Pakistan. Over the years its been Pakistan's bowlers who have won them the majority of matches and also for this game, I think they will rely on their bowlers to lead them to success".

Zahid continued "India's spinners and how Pakistan's batsmen play them will be intriguing, as I think India's spin attack could stifle the Pakistan batting especially if they go into their shell and dont attack them. Additionally India's fielding is much better than Pakistan's, so I really do think the key battle will be Pakistan's bowlers against the Indian batting lineup".

"I feel that going into the game India has a psychological advantage especially with their excellent one day series victory recently in Sri Lanka", added Zahid.

When asked for his views regarding how the youngsters on both sides will cope on such a big occasion Zahid stated "In my day the senior players rarely gave us too much advice. I tihnk the senior players felt that if they chatted too much to us before the game, then it would create unecessary pressure for us. Javed Miandad was the one who talked to us mainly before the game and psyched us up. The youngsters on both teams will need to play according to their instinct and shouldnt fear defeat. I think Afridi and Younis Khan will be the key men in the Pakistan dressing room and will look to lift the dressing room morale".

Regarding the possibility of Mohammad Asif playing in the game against India, Zahid said “It all depends on the nature of the track, if it’s a seaming track like the one against the West Indies the other night, then I would play Asif ahead of Rana, as Asif of course would be ideal in such conditions. However on the other hand, the fact that Asif never played against West Indies means that it would be a big risk giving him a comeback match against India, without any match practice or form or fitness to go on. I think they should have played Asif in the opening match, as he’s a rhythm bowler and if he had bowled well against the West Indies then I’m sure it would have boosted his confidence ahead of the India match”.

Zahid when asked about whether Pakistan’s record against India in major competitions would be on the minds of the Pakistan players added “Yes we are all aware of Pakistan’s poor record against India in World Cups etc, but they should forget about all that and there is absolutely no point in the players even thinking about that”.

Zahid continued “losing Sehwag and Yuvraj is a huge blow for the Indians, especially Yuvraj on the eve of the match. Yuvraj’s all round game is so important for the Indians and with both him and Sehwag missing, then there will be more pressure on Sachin Tendulkar. I feel that if Pakistan are to win the game, then getting rid of Sachin will be extremely important and could eventually be the key”.

 

 

 

 

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