Even though the result would only be of academic interest, Indian captain MS Dhoni on Friday termed their face-off with arch-rivals Pakistan an “important” game but said that his team would not take any added pressure.
“I think it’s an important match. To have a look at it is very important. Doesn’t matter which side you are really playing, because the reason is all international sides are good enough, so no real point taking any added pressure,” Dhoni said.
“So anything you can avoid as a team, especially the fact we’re talking about pressure, we should look to do that,” he added.
While admitting all India-Pakistan matches were big games, Dhoni said it would be suicidal to take extra pressure. “All international sides are good and packed with good fast bowlers. Pakistan also have good spinners in (Saeed) Ajmal and (Mohammed) Hafeez. We will not change our approach,” he said.
last chance to prove what we are: Misbah
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq reckons contest against India here will be “one last chance to prove ourselves” in front of the world. “It’s a final for us. A win against the world champions will be a great compensation. At least, the fans will be happy,” Misbah said after Pakistan trained on Friday morning under overcast conditions and a light drizzle.
The Pakistan captain refused to take the match against India as just another game. “For us, it’s a big opportunity. Everywhere in the world the fans look forward to this game and I would like India and Pakistan to play more often for the sake of the audience,” Misbah told reporters.
Misbah said the boys were in a relaxed frame of mind. “We know we are out of the tournament, but I have told the boys to look at every game as their last chance to prove themselves. We will express ourselves well tomorrow,” Misbah promised while adding that they will remember the 2-1 ODI win this winter.