Azhar Mahmood says he's not one for statistics, but he knows some numbers rather well. Pakistan's head-to-head record against India in ODIs is 72-52, he pointed out at the Oval on Friday.
However, Pakistan has never beaten India in the ICC World Cup, and both of its wins in the Champions Trophy (in 2004 and 2009) came in pool matches.
It was time, the former Pakistan all-rounder and current bowling coach felt, to end India's dominance in ICC events.
“Overall, if you see our record, we’ve beaten India quite often. Definitely, they have had an upper hand in ICC tournaments, but now things have changed and this is the time for us to change the script,” he said.
It wouldn't be a shock if Pakistan beat India, he stated.
“We're playing good cricket. It won't be a shock. We were No. 8 when we came here and no one gave us credit. At the start, someone asked me who would be in the final, and I said Pakistan. Because I believe in my boys and if the boys can believe that, we can go and win this one.”
Pakistan did not want to be known as an unpredictable side, Mahmood insisted.
“We played against England last year, they got 440 against us but we beat them in Cardiff with good planning and the way the bowlers executed our plans. That's why we're so unpredictable and that's why we have a lot of following.
“Because if we play good cricket we can beat any team. When we're good we're very good but when we're bad we're very poor. We want to change that — me and Mickey Arthur and all the coaching staff, we want to bring those things together."
It would mean a lot to Pakistan to defeat India and win a trophy, Mahmood said.
“India refused to play against us; we're playing now on a bigger stage. It's like the Ashes; it's bigger than the Ashes. We haven't been playing cricket at home; this is an ICC event and we're ranked No. 8.
“Two months back we were fighting to qualify for the World Cup and now if we win this one, it will be a great boost for us. It will be a good gift for the nation for Eid.”
Amir may play
He said, Mohammad Amir had recovered from the back spasms that kept him out of the semifinal against England and was fit to play on Sunday.
“He bowled today. He had no problem whatsoever. Back spasms take two days anyway. We'll definitely go with Amir, but we don't mind, if Amir is not playing, then we have Rumman Raees.
“Raees is a quality bowler as well and he showed in the semifinal that he can do the job for us."
Hasan Ali had shaken off a calf niggle, Mahmood added. “He’s one of the best bowlers Pakistan have right now. He’s a wicket-taker, and the reason for our wins is that he comes in the middle period and takes wickets.
“We have an attacking option now with the old ball and new," he said.
