'The pressure will be on India,' says Sarfraz ahead of Champions Trophy clash
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed said he has asked his side to keep theirs heads clear and not focus on the hype surrounding their Champions Trophy opener against arch-rivals India — the latest edition of world cricket's highest profile fixture.
A sell-out crowd is expected at the Edgbaston ground in Birmingham — a city with one of the largest Asian populations in Britain — while the worldwide television audience for Sunday's match could run into the billions.
But Sarfraz told reporters at Edgbaston on Saturday that pressure will not be on his team.
"The pressure will definitely be on India... we currently stand in the 8th spot so we can't go lower than that."
Asked whether his team comprising mainly young players has a unique plan to tackle Indian batting line, Sarfraz said: "We have definitely have a plan... you will see us doing some new things which have not been tried against India before.
"You will see some out of the box things and the team playing differently."
Sarfraz said it was true that the Indian team is strong "on paper", but the team that advances into the tournament will be the one that performs on the ground.
He said the wicket of Indian captain Virat Kohli will be "very important" for Pakistan and his side will strive to claim it early in the game to put India on the back foot.
Pakistan 'completely calm': Arthur
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur insisted his side were “completely calm” ahead of their hotly-anticipated clash with India.
Arthur, after seeing Pakistan train Saturday, told reporters: “They have topped their skills up, and they're ready for a big game.