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Colombo: Mohammed Hafeez doesn’t feel pressure will be a big factor in their match against India on Sunday.
“The boys have showed a lot of character against South Africa. It’s always nice to start with a win and I am happy in the manner they responded under pressure. For us, the match against India is like just another game.
“It will be about going out there and putting in the effort. There will be high hopes… But the pressure has reduced slightly since we have been meeting quite often these days,” the Pakistan captain said. He feels Pakistan have a slight edge going into Sunday’s match.
“Everyone is looking forward to the India match. Since we have won against them in the warm-up game, it will give us confidence... That victory has been a real morale booster for us and the boys are upbeat and raring to go. There is a positive atmosphere in the team,” Hafeez said.
Hafeez, however, didn’t wish to divulge his plans.
“Obviously, we have to take into account the conditions and then we will decide on the playing XI. Against South Africa, we played three specialist spinners and the plan worked. But we can decide on the combination of the next match only after having a look at the pitch,” Hafeez said.
Shahid Afridi’s form has been a topic of discussion but Hafeez underlined his faith in the former captain.
“For us, Afridi’s mere presence lifts the spirit of the team. He is a match-winner in his own right. That’s also the case with Shoaib Malik. If I haven’t given Malik a bowl, it’s because the situation has demanded so. When I need him to bowl, he will. It is not that we are ignoring any of the players.”
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