« Back to article

Print this article

'After Miandad's six, India never beat us in Sharjah'

Former Pakistan skipper Rameez Raja feels India will be under greater pressure when they take on Pakistan in their Twenty20 World Cup league match in Dhaka on March 21, as they would be keen to avenge their Asia Cup defeat. 

"Many pundits believe that the way India lost the Asia Cup match in the final over it has left a scar on them just like Javed Miandad's last ball six in Sharjah did many years ago," Rameez told Geo Super channel. 

"I recall after Miandad's six India never beat us in Sharjah, and I think Pakistan should take advantage of the Asia Cup win when they play in the World T20 Cup," he added.

'Yuvraj and Raina have not been in great form off late'

Rameez said although India would be strengthened with the return of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, hard-hitting batsman Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, there would more psychological pressure on them. 

"Remember these players, especially Yuvraj and Raina have not been in great form off late, so there will a lot of pressure on them to deliver," he said. Rameez urged the Pakistan team management to take full advantage of their Asia Cup win.

"I think in every team meeting they should recall that victory and create more self-belief in themselves. Especially before the India match. Pakistan goes into this match with a definite advantage," he insisted. 

'The conditions won't suit teams like Australia'

Rameez also felt that the World T20 would be won by a team from the Asian bloc as the conditions and pitches suited them better than the others.

"Teams like Australia, England and New Zealand depend heavily on their pace bowlers and I don't think conditions in this World T20 will suit them much," he said.  

Rameez said while the selection of players like Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik for the World T20 was a point of debate as there was a general consensus that shortest format was for the younger cricketers, but he felt their presence would prove good for Pakistan.