In a series of tweets just hours before the start of the match, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan advised Pak skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed.
In a series of tweets just hours before the start of the match, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan - who led Pakistan to World Cup victory in 1992 - said that today’s match will be more about the mind than talent. He had advised the Pak skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed that he 'must bat first if the pitch is damp'.
However, going against the advice, Sarfaraz won the toss and opted to field first.
Imran Khan suggested Sarfaraz pick only specialist bowlers and batsman, in consideration to the intensity of the match
"Sarfaraz must go in with specialist batsmen and bowlers because "Raillu Kattas" rarely perform under pressure - especially the intense kind that will be generated today. 2. Unless pitch is damp, Sarfaraz must win the toss & bat," Khan wrote
The PM recalled how the game has transformed over the years, and that the mental pressure that the players face today is more.
"When I started my cricketing career I assumed success was 70% talent & 30% mind. By the time I finished playing cricket, I felt it was a 50-50 ratio. But now I tend to agree with my friend Gavaskar it's 60% mental strength & 40 % talent. Today role of mind will be more than 60%," his tweet read.
"Today, given the intensity of the match, both teams will come under great mental pressure and the power of the mind will decide the outcome of the match today. In Sarfaraz, we are fortunate to have a bold captain & today he will have to be at his daring best."
"All fears of losing should be banished from the mind as the mind can only process one thought at a time. Fear of losing leads to a negative & defensive strategy & crucially mistakes by opponents are not pounced upon. So here are my suggestions for Sarfaraz & Pakistan team," wrote Khan.
"Finally, even though India may be the favourites, banish all fear of losing. Just give your best and fight till the last ball. Then accept whatever the result like true sportsmen. The nation's prayers are with all of you. Good Luck," he added.
The Indian side has never lost to Pakistan in the World Cup and will look to continue their winning streak today.
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