Playing India is always a pressure game, says Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan (PC: Twitter)

India and Pakistan will be up against each other for a second time in the on-going Asia cup 2022. Their first encounter a week ago was a nail biting one, which India eventually won in the last over on the back of Hardik Pandya’s heroics. The arch rivals will now meet for the second time on Sunday, September 4.

Ahead of the big game, Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan told reporters that an India vs Pakistan game always feels like a final of a tournament because of the pressure it brings with it.

“Playing India is always a pressure game. Even people outside Asia wait for it. Obviously it’s always like a ‘final’ as there’s so much passion involved in this game. We have to play good cricket and make the final. Obviously, we have to strengthen our cricket and put in the hard work,” the 30-year-old said.

Rizwan was Pakistan’s lone warrior with the bat in their earlier game against India. He scored 43 of the eventual 147 which Pakistan managed in 19.5 overs before being bowled out. Pakistan narrowly lost the game, and will now be under pressure to win the return fixture.

“The pressure will be equally on India and us, but the result will be with whoever remains brave and keeps calm. The more you keep the game normal, it is better as it’s the best thing to do. I tell players, whether you play India or Hong Kong, at the end of the day you have to play with bat and ball. So it’s about keeping it simple. Yes, it’s a big game and the boys are high on confidence. We will put in the hard work,” Rizwan added.

The game will be played on September 4 at the Dubai International Stadium.

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