Pakistan had defeated India by 10 wickets in their first match of the T20 World Cup 2021.
Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh believes the defeat against Pakistan is a wake-up call for Team India and they will now have to play a do-or-die match against every team. They will be playing against New Zealand next, followed by Afghanistan, Scotland, and Namibia.
Harbhajan said India have a very strong side and they will be looking for a good comeback with a win against the Kiwis on October 31. Pakistan are currently at the top of the points table in their Super 12 Group 2 with two consecutive victories.
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"The match against New Zealand is not a virtual quarter-final. Afghanistan can upset anyone, we can’t take them lightly," Harbhajan told India Today.
"We must beat New Zealand first and then think about the other games. From now onwards, all the matches are a kind of must-win game for Team India," he added.
Harbhajan knows India's road to the final isn't easy and they will have to be at their best in every game from here on after Pakistan succeeded to break their World Cup-winning streak.
“The loss against Pakistan is a wake-up call for Team India. I am sure they will come back stronger against New Zealand,” he said.
“India have a very good side, they just had an off day against Pakistan. I still back India to beat New Zealand, knowing the quality we have in this team. They just need to go out there and showcase their talent,” he added.
(With India Today Inputs)