KARACHI: Ahead of Sunday’s high-profile T20 World Cup encounter between Pakistan and India, former cricketers have stressed that the Green Shirts must aim for a minimum total of 170 runs to stay competitive. The match will be held in Sri Lanka, following government approval after initial instructions for Pakistan to boycott the game in solidarity with Bangladesh over security concerns.
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Speaking on ARY News’ program Har Lamha Purjosh, former cricketer Basit Ali Khan hinted that the pitch could favour batsmen, potentially providing an opportunity for Pakistan to post a strong total. Panellists emphasized that matches between Pakistan and India are played under immense pressure, with expectations often impacting performance.
Shoaib Malik noted that in high-intensity matches, teams sometimes fall 20 to 25 runs short purely due to scoreboard pressure. He, along with Basit Ali, suggested that setting a target of at least 170 runs would put the team in a defensible position, relying on Pakistan’s bowling attack to restrict India.
Analysts also highlighted the potential impact of spin, suggesting Usman Tariq could play a key role if conditions favour turn, adding depth to Pakistan’s bowling strategy.
Meanwhile, Rajeev Shukla, vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), welcomed the resolution that allowed the match to proceed, praising the ICC for mediating and ensuring that cricket remains in focus amid diplomatic tensions.
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With the match looming, both sides are expected to field their strongest lineups in what promises to be another closely contested and emotionally charged encounter between the two cricketing giants. Fans across the subcontinent are eagerly awaiting the clash, which could have major implications for the T20 World Cup standings.