Fast-bowling legend Waqar Younis believes the Pakistan team has handled pressure better in recent times and backs them to beat India when the two archrivals face off at the ODI World Cup in India later this year.

The much-anticipated clash of the traditional rivals will most likely be on October 14 in Ahmedabad, after the Pakistan CricketBoard reportedly agreed to bring the fixture a day ahead from October 15.

However, the ICC is yet to make an official announcement on that.
But before that, the two neighbours will also lock horns at the Asia Cup, beginning August 30.

“The lesser you play against a team, that too against a big team…especially if it is Pakistan and India, the pressure would be immense and tripled,” Younis told Cricket Pakistan.
The bilateral cricket relations between the two countries remain suspended amid political tensions.
Pakistan have never beaten India in an ODI World Cup. But Younis put his faith in the current lot to do well in the high-octane clash at the upcoming edition of the 50-over showpiece event.

“…in World Cup, we used to choke against India,” admitted Younis. “(But) Pakistan team have handled pressure in a better way in the recent past.
“We have match-winners, we have individuals that can win you matches single-handedly, including Babar (Azam) himself, Shaheen (Shah Afridi), Fakhar (Zaman) can do wonders. Then, of course, we have seen Imam (ul Haq) playing great innings.”
The World Cup will be played from October 5 to November 19 this year.

(AI image)