Pakistan will take on India in their T20 World Cup opener on October 23.
India and Pakistan have the most robust, thrilling rivalry in world cricket. The two sides took on each other in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022 twice and inevitably drew the most attention and revenue.
The buildup further intensifies when the high-voltage clash is happening on the grandest stage, the World Cup. On October 23 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Team India will play Pakistan in their T20 World Cup 2022 opening game.
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, expressed confidence in the team's T20 World Cup preparations ahead of the clash. He also revealed the team’s mantra to be at its full potential during the highly tense matchup against the Men in Blue.
Azam believes that maintaining composure will help his team be more effective on the big day.
"Look, our preparations and this series particularly is meant for that (match against India)...and look, the India vs Pakistan are always a high-intensity one. And it is best that you stay cool and relaxed for this game because it helps you to perform better. And on the day we will try and give our hundred percent," said Babar after his team qualified for the final of the tri-series in New Zealand.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series against each other since the 2012/13 season.
Babar and his team made history in the T20 World Cup 2021 by defeating Team India for the first time ever in a World Cup matchup.
Meanwhile, the Men in Green defeated hosts New Zealand by 5 wickets in the final of the Tri-series on Friday (October 14), and will now fly to Australia for their World Cup campaign.
(INDIA TODAY INPUTS)