T20 World Cup 2024: Kirsten Confident Ahead Of Pakistan Vs India Clash

New York, Jun 8 (PTI): Following a disappointing loss to co-hosts USA, Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten stated that Babar Azam's team won't need any extra motivation when they face arch-rivals India in the T20 World Cup on Sunday (June 8).

Last edition's finalists, Pakistan, began their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign poorly, losing to the USA in the Super Over. They will now face India on a challenging pitch at Nassau County Stadium.

"It's a big game, India versus Pakistan. There's no need for me to motivate the team anymore. They are well-motivated and focused for this game," Kirsten told the media on the eve of the match.

"We have to forget about the last couple of days and just move forward. That's the only way you can deal with life. Results take care of themselves," Pakistan's limited-overs coach added.

While India has been based in New York and played two matches, including a warmup game against Bangladesh, Pakistan will be playing here for the first time in this tournament. Kirsten did not see this as an advantage for India.

"We are going to go out there and make sure we do the best that we can with our skill sets and how we can put pressure on the opposition," he said. "I'm not sure because I can't predict what's going to happen. I don't know whether it'll be an advantage," he added.

Kirsten, who was India's coach during the 2011 World Cup when the two teams clashed in the semifinal in Mohali, noted that Sunday's contest feels different.

"I think it is a little bit different because it's not in India or Pakistan," he said. The South African did not believe he could offer any additional insights despite his experience with Indian players during his stint with Gujarat Titans as their mentor in the IPL.

"These players have seen enough of each other and how they play. In the end, we want to make sure that we get our game right by looking at the conditions and what is required because I think that's going to be a big play," he said.

Team Effort and Strategy

Kirsten emphasized that Pakistan will need a team effort to challenge India. "It's never nice not winning games for any player. They (Pakistan players) are trying their best. The important thing for us is that we operate genuinely as a team," he said.

"Yes, we need individuals to make good performances. But playing games like this requires a real team effort. It's a big game." "(What happened) two days ago is forgotten. We can't take it back. It's gone, so we move on," he added.

Pace Bowling and Team Balance

Admitting that pace bowling is Pakistan's strength heading into a game on a pitch where run-making has been challenging, Kirsten said he wanted all bases covered.

"It certainly is a strength of ours. We like to look at the balance of our team; it's important that you cover all the bases. We want to make sure we've got spin options, good seam options, and a deep batting line-up," he said.