Matches between India and Pakistan have always been exceptionally intense, and with the teams facing each other only in multi-team events in recent years, every match between them attracts that much more anticipation from fans. Ahmed acknowledged that the upcoming fixture against India in the Asia Cup will be particularly important.
“Every match against India is extremely important” Ahmed said. “Momentum is very important, so we’ll try to generate momentum in the first game and go into the fixture against India thoroughly prepared.”
The last time the sides squared off was at the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, which Pakistan won by a thumping margin of 180 runs. But Ahmed feels that will have no bearing on the Asia Cup contest.
“That match is in the past. It was almost one-and-a-half years ago. So I don’t think we should consider it that much. All professional teams put the past behind and look forward. Both teams will do the same.”
In a tournament featuring Asia’s best teams, Pakistan can’t afford to train all their attention only on India. Teams like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan are perfectly capable of defeating their more fancied rivals, with Hong Kong bringing the X-factor.
“I’ve seen all the squads and they’re all very strong, no team can be taken lightly. Teams will have to play very good cricket if they are to win the tournament,” Ahmed agreed.
“The weather is hot, and it becomes difficult to bat in humid conditions under lights because the fast bowlers get some swing,” the 31-year-old said. “We will try to adjust to the conditions. We have had two-three sessions under lights. Of course, every side will look to bat first and put runs on the board due to the hot weather.”
