'They'll Need to Do a Lot...': Misbah-ul-Haq Says Pakistan has Mental Block While Playing India in World Cups

The United States of America (USA) is gearing up to host the first-ever T20 World Cup as a co-host with the West Indies. The fans are eagerly waiting for the electrifying contest between India and Pakistan which will be played at Nassau County, New York, on June 9. The Asian giants have locked horns 7 times in the history of the T20 World Cup with India losing just once, in 2021, when the tournament was held in the UAE. The men in blue will look to continue their winning spree when they take on the arch-rivals on American soil next month.

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Ahead of the much-awaited contest, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has said the men in green will find it difficult to edge past India when at the showpiece event. Speaking on the Star Sports Press Room show, Misbah opined that there seems to be a ‘mental block’ when Pakistan face India in ICC events.

“You call it Pakistan’s jinx or mental block when it comes to playing India in World Cups. Pakistan will need to do a lot because this is a very skilled Indian team with a powerful bowling line-up and two good spinners,” Misbah said.

“India has quality fast bowlers in (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Siraj and Hardik (Pandya). The Indian cricket team’s quality has risen many folds. It will be difficult to break, mental attitude matters a lot and Australia handles the mental side the best way.

“There is no pressure of excess baggage with Australia, and it needs to been seen how both India and Pakistan handle that pressure,” he added.

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Misbah said Virat Kohli, who has played some memorable knocks against his country, will once again be a major threat even though there has been considerable chatter surrounding his strike rate in the ongoing IPL.

“Kohli is going to be a big factor. He has damaged Pakistan many times. He enjoys supremacy over Pakistan mentally. He takes motivation from big occasions and not pressure,” he said.

“The Virat Kohli effect will definitely be there. He is a top-class cricketer. He is one player who can win you matches, strike rates don’t matter. Good players take motivation from those voices or criticism,” he added.

(With PTI Inputs)