ISLAMABAD: Pakistan have never defeated India in a World Cup encounter and the trend is unlikely to change when the two teams clash on February 15 at the Adelaide Oval, feels former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq.
Speaking during a conclave in New Delhi organised by television channel, Inzamam said though he had full faith in fighting spirit of Pakistani players, the more experienced Indians could clinch the match.
"The pressure, however, would be on the Indians," said Inzamam. "Once (Ajay) Jadeja told me that Indian fans were so used to losing in Sharjah, they stopped reacting against Indian players, News24online reported.
"Same theory applies with Pakistan in the World Cup. We have never won against India in the World Cup but a defeat for India could put them under huge pressure," said Inzamam.
Inzamam felt the players of both the teams would have to give more than 100 per cent if they want to emerge triumphant in the key contest. "Cricket now has become a different game altogether. T20 has changed things. A team can be easily beaten even after scoring 300 runs. It was unthinkable during our days," he said.
Two members of India's 2011 World Cup winning team, Harbhajan Singh and Piyush Chawla, said an India-Pakistan clash always puts extra pressure on the players.
"We never felt any pressure from within the team but talking to public, friends and family members was always a problem. Everyone would tell us that we must win."
Despite not too impressive performance during the tour of Australia, Indian former cricketer Kapil Dev said at least four teams have the chance to bag the Cup.
"I give India 25 per cent chance. I think New Zealand can be the dark horses. They have never won it before, but this time they could surprise top teams," Kapil said.
The captain of India's 1983 World Cup winning team said he was not too bothered about the batting order and other such technicalities. "Now any batsman can play at any position. The present Indian team has six batsmen, who can be match winners.
"The most important part would be our batting in the first 15 overs. That's the time when you build the innings. Nowadays, you need to score at least 300 runs," Kapil said.
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