Pakistan not a threat to India: Azharuddin
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NEW DELHI: Pakistan will not pose a threat to India in the marquee World Cup clash, former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin said.
Azharuddin, who led the side to three World Cup victories over Pakistan, said India's perfect record against their arch-rivals will play on the minds of Misbah-ul-Haq's men when the two team face off on February 15.
"India-Pakistan is always a big game. We have not lost to Pakistan in the World Cup and that will play on everyone's minds while going into the match. I believe that India have a good side and if they play well, I don't think that Pakistan will pose such a big threat," Azharuddin told PTI in an interview.
The 51-year-old, however, was of the opinion that India needed to up their game when they take on sides like South Africa.
"It's not very easy to make their way into the final-four. They will have to play well consistently. I think they need to win more matches so that the confidence levels are high. If they start losing matches, it becomes very difficult to make a comeback."
"They have the side, they have the talent but eventually it boils down to how fit the team is and how well they adapt to different situations during the ODI games," Azharuddin added.
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Comments (95) Closed
Feb 06, 2015 07:27pm
Yes he is right... He himself is the biggest threat to India after match fixing ban.
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Feb 06, 2015 07:32pm
A Muslim Indian Captain being magnanimous, polite, and gentleman-sportsman is heartening. I love it. Thank you Dawn for printing this piece because it shows what a secular democracy like UK, US, India, Canada offers to its citizens. TOLERANCE and RESPECT.
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Feb 06, 2015 07:39pm
it's not about the threat, it's all about pressure..
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Feb 06, 2015 07:42pm
yep he's rite this time we sent losers ahead !!!
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Feb 06, 2015 07:42pm
@Tick Tick No threat hence no pressure...
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Feb 06, 2015 07:46pm
Azharuddin, the match fixer, will be proven wrong yet again.
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Feb 06, 2015 07:47pm
History about to change Azhar Bhai, take my word. India hasn't won in Australia in last 3 and half months, make it 4 and a half months. We don't have any hope on this Pakistan side but as long they beat India, we will be alright, we know this Pakistan team is not capable of winning the competition but they can beat Indians. India certainly not winning world cup they will be dead tired, fatigued and half of them carrying injuries by the time first game is to start, being away from home over 3 months, its not easy, thanks to BCCI... WC champion will be South Africa, NZ or Pakistan, but I will give 11% chance to Australia... take my word. I will be surprised if India reaches Semis...
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Feb 06, 2015 07:48pm
No body can guess a game which is among equals. Pakistan has Hafeez, Afridi, Akmal, Rahat Ali and Irfan who can win game for them. While INDIA has Rohit Sharma, Virat, Dhoni, Jadeja and Mohit Sharma. But one thing I have a blind trust is Azharuddin words usually becomes true...
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Feb 06, 2015 07:49pm
Its funny he has to state the obvious, Pakistani team is not even a threat to kids playing in streets. What a huge disappointment. They don't even try.
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Feb 06, 2015 07:49pm
not entirely wrong after seeing Pakistan performance
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Feb 06, 2015 07:52pm
Pakistan's historical record against all nations is roughly 3rd to 4th in the top 8; while India is 6th to 7th. In addition, Pakistan has beaten India in tests, one day internationals and T20 tournaments a lot more than India has beaten Pakistan. True, Pakistan is at its weakest ever historically, but even then stands an even chance of beating India, which has never been a top team as such.
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Feb 06, 2015 07:57pm
Indeed
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Feb 06, 2015 07:59pm
Jiyo AzharBhai!!
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Feb 06, 2015 08:05pm
I think Pakistan will struggle not just with India, but others too. They look very weak overall.
Good luck to Pakistan. India will also struggle over all, Batting line up is good, but bowling seems to be a little short.
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Feb 06, 2015 08:06pm
Opportunity in the waiting to beat India this time and break the jinx; no Tendulakar or Yuvraj to care about.
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Feb 06, 2015 08:06pm
Agree but India is threat to itself - let see how it's going to work out. I hope Pakistan can win 1 or 2 games and it would be really nice if they win one against India.
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Feb 06, 2015 08:07pm
Cant argue with that, Pak in total strategic and form disarray.
Previously there was talent which could lift any such chaos - even that cupboard is bare!
Ideally, we should rethink any strategy with the bowlers we have and not assume some may become available or be shifted.....
Shehzad, Sarfraz, Maqsood, Misbah, U Akmal, Sohail, Afridi, Wahab, Yasir, Rahat, Irfan.
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Feb 06, 2015 08:13pm
Its the nervousness.
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Feb 06, 2015 08:15pm
@Tick Tick -pressure and poor selection, other than Misbah, Hafeez,Sarfraz,..
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Feb 06, 2015 08:16pm
I agree with this disgraced Indian captain. Pakistan is a very week team and I wont be surprised if they don't win even against associate teams.
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Feb 06, 2015 08:19pm
India Pakistan match is all about handling the pressure.. Personal cricket talent does not matter much...Records are made to be broken..This time Pakistan will win Inshallah..
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Feb 06, 2015 08:25pm
Both teams are rubbish
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Feb 06, 2015 08:35pm
Agree with Azhar. Pakistan are a shell of their former selves. Will get ugly but luckily it will be early in the tournament. No comparison between Pak and Ind teams - India are the real deal.
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Feb 06, 2015 08:36pm
India record on green top pitches is not impressive - even though Pakistan have a weak team they can still win if they play strong seam attack with players who are willing to win the match.
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Feb 06, 2015 08:45pm
No one can predict and match is played in present and past records does not matter.its different team and different day for both sides. any one who plays better on that day will win.
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Feb 06, 2015 08:49pm
I have seen Pakistan getting beaten by India in every world cup they have faced each other. It all started in 1992 Worldcup in Australia. Pakistan's performances in the last couple of years in ODIs have been pathetic and I don't think I have seen Pakistan dropping to number 7 in ICC rankings in my life time either. Adding to the list of problems is banning (Illegal Action) and injuries to our key bowlers. So realistically speaking the result of Pakistan vs India will be the same as it used to be. Just on a lighter not, I think there are two things which might help in turning things around for Pakistan :):)
1. It all started in Australia and it might end in Australia. Why?
Things like this have happen in the past. For example, Australia remained undefreated for around 25 matches in worldcups starting from 1999 WC till middle of WC2011. Last time, the team which defeated Australia in WCs was Pakistan (1999) and the team which defeated them to break their winning streak was Pakistan again (2011)... :):)
2. There is no Tendulkar factor available this time around....
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Feb 06, 2015 08:52pm
He is right. Thanks to corrupt PCB selection, Pakistan is toothless in this tournament
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Feb 06, 2015 08:56pm
Have a lot of respect for Azhar, but I don't agree with him here. India may very well have the better record in World Cup matches, but every Indo-Pak match is a 50-50 affair. Pakistan haven't had much time to acclimate, and are struggling so on paper, it is advantage India.
But that's why we play the game!
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Feb 06, 2015 09:01pm
Since when did cricket become predictable?
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Feb 06, 2015 09:03pm
@Nasser India is a two time ODI champion, one time T20 champion, Test ranking 1 for over two years, and you say India has never been a strong team. God bless u SIr.
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Feb 06, 2015 09:03pm
@kranti We love Azharuddin in our country but we are sorry this is not becoming true...
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Feb 06, 2015 09:05pm
This is the first time since we started playing cricket that we are not having any hopes. But,the first match is a final for us. With all tickets sold in just 20 minutes, it must be some super-bowl!
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Feb 06, 2015 09:08pm
@Shahid Bhai , DIl behlane k liye khayal achha hai gaalib :D
mast logic hai bhai apka ;)
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Feb 06, 2015 09:10pm
Azharuddin threat isnt from India. Its rather from the team selected by PCB.
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Feb 06, 2015 09:15pm
he is right sadly, even Iwould liek to admit as a patriotic fan. Reality is that the Pak team isn't looking too good right now so no false hopes with them even against India. The hype has finally run out for me after watching 5 WCs.
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Feb 06, 2015 09:16pm
tell us something new..our bowling attack is rubbish.
only irfan can save us! ans with no Tendulkar....
if only we could bat...even 150 is a challenge for pak :(
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Feb 06, 2015 09:18pm
@PakFan Adelaide is not green sir .....
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Feb 06, 2015 09:26pm
I will take Pakistan very serious. As they may not be the top contenders but they can do a lot of damage by winning odd games and damaging the chances for top teams!
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Feb 06, 2015 09:43pm
There is no way we are beating Pakistan with the team we have this time Azhar bhai. We had a good stretch of wins in the World Cup against Pakistan, but that's about it.
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Feb 06, 2015 09:55pm
@KafirMusafir - by including India in the same league as the US, UK and Canada, you have royally embarrassed yourself.
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Feb 06, 2015 09:59pm
It will be suicidal to under-estimate Pakistan and being underdogs pressure will be on the defending champions.
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Feb 06, 2015 10:01pm
India has not won a single game ever since (3 months) they have landed in Australia and Pakistan is not a threat to them as if they are in a red hot form? Indian side is as mediocre as Pakistan side so even steven there.
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Feb 06, 2015 10:16pm
Both teams are useless so they are only threats to the audience who will waste their money watching them!
It is better to stay at home and save your money. Watch a movie instead.
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Feb 06, 2015 10:18pm
Pakistan's past performance in the WC against India is nothing to be ashamed of. While I agree to Azhar's comments, I also know that we do not win matches on our past record.
By staying calm and collected, you demonstrate that you can handle tough situations without losing your cool.
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Feb 06, 2015 10:20pm
Even being a Pakistani , I can not agree more with what Azher ru din is saying , Pakistani team in this current form and makeup , Does not even come close to a threat let alone a real threat to Indian current team . Full Stop
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Feb 06, 2015 10:37pm
He is right. We are NOT a good team. Look at us. We are not confident ourselves with our team. India has a massive batting line up, and we have a poor bowling attack. Imagine!!!
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Feb 06, 2015 10:38pm
@Taimur India lacks bowlers but they have a great batting lineup. Pakistan is super weak right now. No bowlers at all.
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Feb 06, 2015 10:39pm
He is right and I should add this that Pakistan is not threat to any team even to Bangladesh. Just BD should keep their senses under control and they will give hard time to Pakistani team.
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Feb 06, 2015 11:02pm
Haiiiiiin, how did he figure it out?
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Feb 06, 2015 11:04pm
This chap is damn right, enormous pressure has built up on Pakistan after defeating to India on all the World Cup occasions.
Pakistani team need to make sure that they take the game easy and do not let pressure accumulate on them. Just show your natural game and leave the rest on Allah.
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Feb 06, 2015 11:23pm
the authoritativeness with which the claim had been made makes me think that the match will be fixed
after all, the ex indian captain got banned for dirty things
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Feb 06, 2015 11:26pm
Being a match fixer doesn't mean that he isn't an expert on what he is saying here. He is not saying something that many others do not already expect.
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Feb 07, 2015 12:05am
thanks for stating the obvious...great analyst!
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Feb 07, 2015 12:06am
This time around Pakistan does not look threatening to any team........BUT if all the stars align, the moon is in the right phase and all the gods are in a forgiving mood....then who knows ?
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Feb 07, 2015 12:10am
Even though i am supporting Pakistan to win but i agree that on paper Pakistan is not a threat to India but what Azhar is forgetting is that a game between these two is really not much based on skills and talent. The winner will be the one who can handle the pressure on the day. Better Pakistani teams have lost to weaker Indian sides. Who plays better cricket on the day will win. India seem to be better prepared as they had a chance to acclimatise themselves to Australian conditions so much so that they are playing their two warm up games in Adelaide which is the ground hosting the marquee clash. I hope Pakistan wins this time.
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Feb 07, 2015 12:17am
Don't forget guys.... :Cricket by chance"" .....
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Feb 07, 2015 12:19am
Pakistan will win against India this time. India haven't played well in Australia.
None the less, may the best team win on that day, good luck to all!
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Feb 07, 2015 12:22am
Read between the lines. He is warning Pakistan not to be camplacent
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Feb 07, 2015 12:28am
Guys! Wonderful comments above! Realistically no chance for pak this time and we will be amazed if we win against minows. Against india the only way to avoid defeat his to have rain
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Feb 07, 2015 12:33am
If the Indians can get Misbah cheaply, 50% of the job is over for them.
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Feb 07, 2015 12:37am
The question is not if Pakistan will lose. The question is how badly will Pakistan lose. Patriotism aside, I am just being realistic here.
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Feb 07, 2015 12:42am
All the commonsense things this guy said. Everybody knows these things, Azhar mia :-) If you play well you will win etc. :-)
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Feb 07, 2015 12:57am
@Taimur -With a team Pakistan has, i won't be surprised if UAE or Zimbabwe beats Pakistan
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Feb 07, 2015 12:58am
No one has said that pak is a threat to india. I really don't know to whose comments you are responsing. Basi
kadhi mein ubaal Sarah a hai
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Feb 07, 2015 01:11am
I agree with azharuddin - i think we have a weak team... brittle batting as usual except this time a worldclass frontline bowler is missing...
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Feb 07, 2015 01:55am
I don't know why so much importance is given to the India-Pakistan match. Personally, I would rather have India lose to Pakistan but win the world cup than the other way around.
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Feb 07, 2015 02:24am
@KafirMusafir Nothing to be proud of or praiseworthy as far as an ex-captain (a muslim) is concerned. He forgets that the 'unpredictable' Pakistan (if and when they are in their elements) could beat any team, including India on any given day, especially in conditions away from the sub-continent. So, Azhar should point out the strong and weak points of the both the teams before reaching this cliched conclusion about the past records of the two teams.
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Feb 07, 2015 02:49am
@Taimur Dear Friend the recent 4 losses of Pakistan to NZ and board teams was also due to fatigue ?? have they been also away in NZ since 3-4 month that they lost all the 4 matches played so far and that too 2 of them against players whose names no one in cricket knows.
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Feb 07, 2015 03:12am
Pakistan will beat India...trust me!!!
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Feb 07, 2015 03:16am
Only Dawn News can print such a statement by Azharuddin...Fair & Balance....Dawn News is the best!!! Only Newspaper who covers minorities and rape victims of Pakistan. Keep It Up!!!
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Feb 07, 2015 04:09am
According to me if the pakistan team doesn't perform vs India they might not go further than the groups stage, I am not saying winning vs India they can perform well and lose or perform bad and win. Best of Luck team green We have the flags up for you once again don't let us down.
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Feb 07, 2015 04:21am
@A Pakistani - That is why he was Suspended right away and BANNED FOR LIFE.... Unlike, Pak trio of Spotfixers . When their ban periods end, all three will be playing cricket again, at least domestic cricket.
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Feb 07, 2015 04:22am
250-270....if pak can score or can contain India....Pakistan will have 70% chances....of winning. The help will come from irfan.afridi.rahat.younus .hafeez.and akmal.....and 50 from mr misbah
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Feb 07, 2015 04:40am
It is really funny to see so many comments taking about Mohammad Azharuddin's match fixing. What does that have to do with, and how can that impact the result of India Pak match???
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Feb 07, 2015 05:04am
That means exactly the opposite
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Feb 07, 2015 05:19am
India is not a threat to Pakistan either. So, Azharuddin may be right but it's one side of the story. I think it's even-steven, both are equally useless in this tournament.
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Feb 07, 2015 05:23am
One person's opinion. What really matters is who plays well for 100 overs. Let the best team win. It's just a game, let's not get too worked up here. Even if either team loses, there are plenty of opportunities to reach the quarter finals where anything can happen. Enjoy the game friends.
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Feb 07, 2015 05:36am
I knew Azhar when we were growing up in Hyderabad, he was a great person and very humble, extremely talented and a gifted athlete, however the saying on the street in Hyderabad is that after he divorced his first wife things went downhill
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Feb 07, 2015 06:03am
true, aye teh putar pitch teh pata lagay ga na!
Even with their unpredictability, Pakistan is always a threat to any team in the world!
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Feb 07, 2015 07:15am
Pak is not even a threat to Zimbabawe, it isn't a threat to anyone.
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Feb 07, 2015 07:20am
Yup this Pakistan side has been the most ridiculous selection I have seen in a long time from Pakistan. There is just no common sense to the entire selection. They have the weakest bowling up. Even Indian pacers are better at swinging the ball considering the bunch Pakistani selectors picked. Pakistan are on route to embarrass themselves big time in this world cup. As usual fans, selectors and PCB are hoping for a tukka. Seems to be a Pakistani way, skip the hard work and planning, just hope for "tukka, Allah ke karam se".
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Feb 07, 2015 07:29am
Dear All: Times have changed. However, losing to India will make Pakistan more determined to win the rest of the matches, and eventually the cup, if deemed necessary......
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Feb 07, 2015 07:30am
@Aam Aadmi
for 2 years you played most of your test at home and you were number 1, as soon as you played abroad. you lost to England, lost to Australia. and were are you now in test. Play at home world cup and win. 20 twenty a game of luck
Lets see what you can do this world cup.
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Feb 07, 2015 10:02am
India will miss great tendulkar,sehwag,youraj,zaheer khan these are back bone of indian cricket without experince in australia big challenge for India also.I think Pakistan will struggle not just with India, but others too. Good luck to Pakistan.
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Feb 07, 2015 11:07am
@kabir You actually think it will be 100 overs? Lets see which team is worse. I'd put my heart with India not my money.
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Feb 07, 2015 11:18am
@A Pakistani My dear friend, I always watching your comments stating that you never accept Indians or other people whose comments agsint Pakistan (for goodness of Pak cricket). You are always saying yuour team's old records they acheived once upon a time. Look at the current situation of your team and comment correctly. i am Indian but I always respect Pakistan team and their victories over India in 80's. Bcos Pak team is better than India at that time. Now, the situation is changed. When will you realize this?
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Feb 07, 2015 01:04pm
On paper, India is a better package than Pakistan, no doubt.
But Pakistan in the past have lost to India in WC despite being a better team.
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Feb 07, 2015 02:19pm
correct Pakistan is threat only to Pakistanis thanks to hafiz sayeed experiment now his man cannot cross border so try your skills at home.
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Feb 07, 2015 06:36pm
One shall never underestimate Pakistan, especially they have the habit playing more then their best when it is engaged with India. It will never be a cake walk for either countries despite of the statistics, form and experience of players.
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Feb 07, 2015 07:14pm
look who is talkin he lost 4 out of 6 finals against pakistan and he lost 16 odi matches out of 25 against us.....n now he is talkin ...hahha
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Feb 07, 2015 09:24pm
@muhibbewatan and @ Ali:: Both of you missed my entire point of what I said about the former Indian Muslim Cricket Captain. Here is hint. It has nothing to do with Cricket.
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Feb 07, 2015 09:40pm
@essa ...With due respect to your comments please have a look at india's performance outside India in last 5 years. While Pakistan never played any international match in its home ground in last 5 years.
With regards to my comments it includes only the replies to someone who tries to change the facts.
BTW you also will agree that excitement and passion have no match during PAK /INDIA match regardless of team strength.
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Feb 07, 2015 11:53pm
What a joke by the biggest cheater on earth?
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Feb 08, 2015 01:37pm
This dude is a characterless character! Who give a hoot to his uttering!
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Feb 08, 2015 03:05pm
We are not " Arch Rivals" but two brothers playing against one another. Stop this campaign of embarrassment to us in Europe.
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