UAE streak gives Pakistan edge, says Babar

PAKISTAN have won its past 10 T20 internationals in the United Arab Emirates and captain Babar Azam claims it will give it an edge over India in their World Cup opener.

The rivals will meet in Dubai on October 24 in what will be the biggest clash in the early stages of the tournament, which starts on Sunday in Oman and the UAE.

Pakistan has not won a World Cup match against India, but that does not bother Babar who believes familiarity with the UAE pitches will help it break the jinx.

“Definitely we have played a lot of cricket in the UAE,” he said when asked about his team’s 0-5 record against India in T20 World Cup clashes.

“These conditions suit us and we know how to play here.”

The UAE was Pakistan’s base after the terror attacks on the visiting Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009 forced cricket out of the Asian nation.

Pakistan also has Afghanistan and New Zealand in its group at the World Cup.

Babar said captaining the team in the tournament was an honour and said his recent form gave him confidence.

“Good performances give you confidence,” said the player who has hit two T20 centuries this year.

India captain Virat Kohli played down the rivalry, describing the match as “just another game”

“I have always approached this game as just another game of cricket. I know there is a lot of hype created around this game, more so with ticket sales,” Kohli said.

“From the fans’ point of view it is louder. From the players’ point of view, we stay as professional as we can.”