T20 World Cup 2021: Saqlain Mushtaq hoping for India-Pakistan final; says playing one more match will improve relations

Saqlain feels the two sides sent a message of friendship during their earlier clash.

Pakistan defeated India by 10 wickets in the Super 12 match | GettyPakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq on Thursday (October 28) expressed wish to see the final between his team and India in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

According to Saqlain, the two sides sent a message of friendship during their earlier clash in the showpiece tournament.

See Also: “Want India to be in finals”, Shoaib Akhtar tells Harbhajan Singh amid Twitter banter

Notably, Pakistan defeated the arch-rivals by 10 wickets in Dubai last Sunday (October 24) and Saqlain feels the sporting conduct of players on both sides sent a strong message of humanity.

"If India makes the final, it would be a great thing because I feel, and this is not because we have beaten them, they are a strong team, everyone considers them a favourite," Saqlain during a press conference on the eve of the match against Afghanistan.

"Do match khelenge to relation aur acche ho jaenge (playing one more match would only better our relations).

"In the previous game, the way Virat Kohli, (MS) Dhoni and even our own players conducted themselves, it sent a strong message that we are all humans, we all love each other, it is just a game. Hats off to the players for sending the message. Dosti ki jeet ho, dushmani ki haar ho (friendship should triumph, enmity should lose)," he added.

When asked about the strong contenders to win the coveted trophy, Saqlain took names of England, Australia and South Africa.

"Jab aap aate hain to become a world champion, then you don't look at opponents, you focus on your own game. England is a favourite, Australia plays tough cricket. South Africa also. I believe, commitment, attitude and process are in your hands, not the results.

"You should be able to execute the plans, no matter who you are playing. If India makes finals, the ICC will be happy, fans will be happy," he said.

Team India are due to take on New Zealand in their next match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 31.

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 29 Oct, 2021

    Share Via