Imam-ul-Haq: “All matches are same for me whether its Hong Kong or India; my pressure levels will be the same in all games”
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has insisted that he will treat his side’s Asia Cup encounter with India on September 19 as any other game.
While he admitted that he will be under pressure to perform in every game he features in, Imam admitted that India will definitely miss captain Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the tournament.
Despite this, the 22-year-old has made it clear that he won’t underestimate the men in blue, and has also vowed not to let his emotions get the better of him during the highly-anticipated clash.
“We are looking at each match and opponent and preparing for that game and not only worrying about India,” Imam was quoted as saying by PakPassion. “All matches are same for me whether its Hong Kong or India; my pressure levels will be the same in all games.
“India is a very good team but the absence of Virat Kohli will make a difference. We just want to play aggressive cricket which is how we have been taught and the performances since Champions Trophy are examples of that.
“There is no psychological advantage from any past games when it comes to India Pakistan games. You have to really control your nerves in India Pakistan games as things can easily go against you in such matches.”
While Pakistan are seen to have an advantage over the other teams in the tournament as they play their homes games in the United Arab Emirates, Imam said any team is capable of causing upsets throughout the competition.
“You can say that we have an advantage in UAE as we have been playing here for a long time but the wickets here are similar to what you find in India and Bangladesh,” he said. “All teams such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan have good youngsters and there can be upsets in this tournament.
“The Asia Cup is not only about India and Pakistan as other teams can also make a difference and this is good preparation for the 2019 World Cup.”
