‘We can see how much they feel the pressure’ - Naseem Shah’s bold remark ahead of India vs Pakistan clash in T20 World Cup 2024

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to clash in the 2024 T20 World Cup on Sunday, June 9. Described as the 'mother of all battles', the showdown between the two neighbours is expected to set the mega stage on fire. Ahead of the crucial Group A encounter, Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah said both teams are under equal pressure and both have quality players in their ranks.

Looking at their head-to-head stats, the Men in Blue have a clear edge over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. The two have met seven times and Pakistan has won only once. Their only success came in the 2021 edition, where Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan helped them to a 10-wicket victory.

However, India gets revenge in the last edition with a four-wicket win. Virat Kohli's magical 82* steered them to a thrilling last-ball victory at the MCG in Australia, despite Pakistan taking a massive lead early in the game. Reckoning the past incidents, Naseem claimed that he has seen the Indian players under pressure against Pakistan and it will be about who handles it better on the match day.

"It's not as if there's pressure only on Pakistan and not on India, because we can see with our eyes how much they feel the pressure as well. How you perform on the day matters because both teams have some of the world's best players. The people in both countries are very involved, and I feel it's the only match where there isn't a single ball where you can relax," Naseem recently told ESPNcricinfo.

There's huge pressure on the fans in both countries: Naseem

The right-arm pacer believes that there is not much difference in the quality of players in both teams. He added that given the geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan over the years, the pressure is not only on the team or the players but also on the fans of both countries. 

"I personally don't believe there's a big difference in quality in the players of both countries," Naseem says. "But if anyone claims there's no extra pressure in an India-Pakistan match, go and ask the people of India and Pakistan! There's huge pressure on the fans in both countries and on the players too. You're not human if you don't feel pressure in such a big match," he added.  

Also Read: What happens if Pakistan loses to India?

Notably, India and Pakistan are gearing up for their second match of the tournament. While India opened their campaign with a convincing eight-wicket win, Pakistan got off to a horror start as they lost to the USA in a Super Over. Looking at the current scenario, India are the favourites to win the upcoming match.