Pakistan have golden chance to break World Cup jinx against India: Zaheer Abbas

Pakistan have never beaten India in a World Cup Match

Pakistan legend Zaheer Abbas reckons Pakistan have a great chance of ending their World Cup jinx of never beating India in the tournament, having met on 5 previous occasions, considering India’s dismal showing in Australia over the past couple of months.

The two teams are set to face each other at Adelaide Oval on February 15 in this year’s edition of the tournament.

"Pakistan could never win against India in a World Cup but they have a golden chance to break that jinx this time. I have seen India's performance in Australia and their first practice match against the hosts yesterday, so I can say that. I hope that Pakistan can find their team combination right as the injury list is growing day by day," Abbas told PTI-Bhasha from Multan.

Abbas further added that India would be under extra pressure, being the defending champions.

"India are the defending champions, so there will be more pressure on them to perform as compared to Pakistan," he said.

According to Abbas, it will be a stern test for the Pakistani team as they will have to cope without pacer Junaid Khan and all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, both out due to injury.

“Batting will be weakened in Hafeez's absence but players are talented and if they can handle the pressure well, they will win," stated Abbas.

Abbas, however, refused to write India off completely saying, "Pakistan does not have bowlers like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram or Waqar Younis now. Indian batting is strong but they are not performing well in Australia. They could not win a single match there but we cannot write them off.”

"World cup is a different tournament and they will do well as they (India) have experience of winning the trophy. I can only say that handling the pressure will be the key as far as India-Pakistan match is concerned," he added.

When asked who would be the Indian player to watch out for in the World Cup, Abbas said, “This Indian team does not have Sachin Tendulkar, so all eyes will be on Virat now. He is the best batsman for India and he has to perform to his potential. Indian bowling is looking weak so they have to rely on their batting. They have been playing is Australia for two months now and are acclimatized well.”