PAKISTAN interim head coach Saqlain Mushtaq on Thursday (28) said it would be a “great thing” if his team meets India again in the final of the ongoing T20 World Cup and lauded both sides for sending a message of friendship during their group clash on Sunday (24).
Pakistan tasted their first-ever victory over the arch-rivals on a World Cup stage when they won by 10 wickets in Dubai. When Mushtaq, a former Pakistan spinner, was asked whether he would want another game with India in the final of the marquee tournament, he said, “If India make the final, it would be a great thing because I feel, and this is not because we have beaten them, they are a strong team, everyone considers them a favourite.”
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“Do match khelenge to relation aur acche ho jaenge (playing one more match would only better our relations),” the 44-year-old said, adding, “In the previous game, the way Virat Kohli, (MS) Dhoni and even our own players conducted themselves, it sent a strong message that we are all humans, we all love each other, it is just a game.”
“Hats off to the players for sending the message. Dosti ki jeet ho, dushmani ki haar ho (friendship should triumph, enmity should lose),” he said.
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Mushtaq, who was famous during his playing days for his ‘doosra’ variety in off-spin, said this while speaking at a press conference ahead of Pakistan’s game against Afghanistan in Dubai on Friday (9). The former champions are currently leading the points table after defeating India and New Zealand and another win would take them closer to the semi-finals.
Mushtaq, however, is not ready to write off teams like England, Australia and South Africa.
“Jab aap aate hain to become a world champion, then you don’t look at opponents, you focus on your own game. England is a favourite, Australia plays tough cricket. South Africa also. I believe, commitment, attitude and process are in your hands, not the results. You should be able to execute the plans, no matter who you are playing. If India makes finals, the ICC will be happy, fans will be happy,” he said.
India will play the Kiwis in their next match in Dubai on Sunday (31).
India and Pakistan played the final of the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in which the men in blue won by five runs.
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