Pakistan at the top of the table in the Super 12 phase of the T20 World Cup 2021 is of benefit to India says former West Indian cricketer, Brian Lara.
Pakistan is currently at the top of the table after winning two matches against India and New Zealand. Pakistan will now be facing a little weak opponent- Afghanistan, Namibia, and Scotland in the group matches and are likely to stay at the top of the table. Pakistan to remain at the top of the table will benefit India to secure a second spot in the group.
“India now has to beat New Zealand. Of course, they have other games to play but Pakistan running away at the top is perfect for India to sort of look for that second spot,” Lara told official broadcasters Star Sports.
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Pakistan will face Afghanistan today in Dubai. India will play against New Zealand on Sunday, October 31ST.
Pakistani cricket fans, however, are expressing warm wishes to the Afghan cricket team but they also want Pakistan to win the match. A score of social media users is pleading the fans to take the match as the game and do not give in to emotions.
Afghan cricketer, Rashid Khan, has also requested cricket fans to keep cool during Pakistan and Afghanistan T20 World Cup match scheduled on Friday.
Read more: Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan appeals fans to keep calm during match
Both the teams are undefeated in the tournament so far and are vying for their place in the semi-finals of the world cup. The atmosphere is expected to be charged up partially attributed to the political situation. “It’s always a good game against Pakistan, but this should remain as a game,” Rashid said on Thursday.
“I request all the fans to stay cool and calm and just enjoy the game. What happened in the 2019 match should not have happened.” Currently, in the points table India is quite behind Pakistan.