Pakistan have an advantage over India, feels Sarfaraz Khan
Pakistan cricket team skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed feels that his side will be the favorites to beat India in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. The two arch-rivals are set for a blockbuster encounter on June 16 in Manchester. In the World Cup, Sarfaraz thinks that his team will need to take every match as if they are playing against India. Here's more.
'We will take every match as a match against India'
"For us all nine matches are important so we will take every match as a match against India, We have beaten India in a bigger event recently so we will have that advantage," said Sarfaraz. Pakistan had thrashed India in the ICC Champions Trophy finale.
Post ICC Champions Trophy, India have been dominating ODIs
Pakistan might have beaten India by 180 runs to lift the Champions Trophy, but since then the Men in Blue have won 10 ODI series out of 12. India also defeated Pakistan twice in the Asia Cup 2018. The momentum is with India and Pakistan will need to be at their best to even have a chance to stun Virat Kohli's side.
Pakistan have faltered in ODIs since Champions Trophy victory
Pakistan have been below par since the Champions Trophy victory. They have lost series against New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. They were also swept aside in the Asia Cup. Pakistan have two series wins, under their belt, which came against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
I think being underdogs is good for us: Sarfaraz
Sarfaraz wants his team to go in as the underdogs. "Look, when we go as favourites, then it's a problem, but if we go as underdogs then other teams feel the danger, so I think being underdogs is good for us and eases the pressure," Sarfaraz said. Pakistan have a decent touch in terms of experience and youth and they could surprise sides.
Pakistan set to meet England in 5-match ODI series
Pakistan are set to face England in a five-match ODI series ahead of the Cricket World Cup. This will be a massive test for the side against the best squad in the world. Sarfaraz will be keen to see what Pakistan offer against England.