World T20: Pakistan's Familiarity With Eden Gardens Will Hurt India, Says Sunil Gavaskar
Pakistan's hunger to beat India for the first time in World T20 and also their knowledge about the venue of the match, Eden Gardens, will help the Shahid Afridi-led side, according to Sunil Gavaskar
- NDTVSports
- Updated: March 17, 2016 10:44 am IST
If India's 47-run loss to New Zealand in World T20 wasn't enough, Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side's headaches just increased after Pakistan's 55-run win over Bangladesh. Apart from being arch-rivals, the Shahid Afridi-led side is also the host's next opponents on Saturday. (World T20: Shahid Afridi Powers Pakistan to Big Opening Win)
According to Sunil Gavaskar, the fact that Pakistan got their first win of the tournament against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens, the venue of their match against India, augurs well for the side. (World T20: I Was Hungry to Perform, Says Shahid Afridi)
"They have won their first match in Kolkata, and they also played a warm-up game there. So, though India are the home side, it is Pakistan who are more aware of the conditions. And it will be an advantage going into Saturday's match," Gavaskar told NDTV.
Pakistan romped to a win against Bangladesh after a stellar show by Shahid Afridi, who scored 49 runs and took two wickets. However, Pakistan have never beaten India and World Cup - be it the ODI or the T20 format.
"The fact that Pakistan have never won against India in any World Cup will act as a motivation for them. They would want to prove a point or two against India. Shahid Afridi and the whole team look hungry to do well," he said.