India and Pakistan are set to meet on the cricket field for the first time since their clash in the 2019 ODI World Cup at Old Trafford. The two teams will square off on October 24 in the ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai.

With less than two months to go for the high-voltage encounter, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has said that pressure will be more on India when the arch-rivals meet in the showpiece tournament.

“I think India will be under more pressure as compared to Pakistan during the World Cup match. We would like to start our campaign by defeating India,” Babar said on Thursday (September 2) after a meeting with the PCB Chairman in waiting.

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Just like the 50-over World Cup, Team India enjoy a big lead over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. The inaugural champions are yet to lose against Pakistan in the marquee event after clashing on five occasions.

According to Babar, playing in the UAE would be like playing at home for Pakistan.

“It is like playing at our home ground when we play at UAE venues and we want to give our 100 percent on the field coupled with that,” he said.

Babar Azam also expressed satisfaction with the squad picked for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, which has drawn a lot of flak from critics and former players.

The Pakistan captain claimed that a balanced squad had been named for the series.

The selectors axed former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed from the squad while recalling batsmen, Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah.

“We are facing issues in the middle-order and this series is a good opportunity for players making a comeback to cement their place in the side,” he said.

(With PTI inputs)