Colombo, Oct 4 (NationPress) Fatima Sana, the captain of Pakistan, is confident that her squad can triumph over any leading team globally, given they deliver a strong performance, particularly targeting a victory against India in their forthcoming clash. The India-Pakistan rivalry will unfold in the sixth match of the ongoing Women’s World Cup this Sunday at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Currently, India boasts an 11-0 lead over Pakistan in their One Day International (ODI) encounters, aiming to widen that gap. Yet, Fatima asserts that “records” are meant to be shattered, and assumptions should not be made prior to the match.

During a pre-match press conference, Fatima remarked that Pakistan's lack of ODI victories against India in the past does not preclude future success.

“To begin with, any existing records between India and Pakistan are designed to be surpassed. It’s not a given that Pakistan will perpetually lose to them. We have faith in our ability to play quality cricket, regardless of the opponent. Therefore, we won't be fixated on the past; our attention will be solely on the match day. I genuinely believe that Pakistan can defeat any top team if we execute our game plan effectively. One match does not define our capabilities. Team morale is high,” she stated.

The recent Men’s Asia Cup witnessed India-Pakistan matches embroiled in various controversies, accentuating the political tension between both nations. Addressing how they plan to approach their encounter against their fierce rivals India, Fatima mentioned:

“Our primary objective is to perform well. We maintain a cordial relationship with other teams. We strive to uphold the spirit of the game. Moments like those shared previously, such as with Bismah's daughter, where players enjoyed each other's company, are cherished. However, we must remain focused on our purpose here.”

After a setback against Bangladesh in their opening match, Fatima emphasized that one game's outcome should not dictate a team's trajectory in the tournament. When discussing their aspirations for the high-stakes match against India, the 23-year-old added:

“Undoubtedly, this match carries immense pressure. We understand that the whole world observes India-Pakistan contests. However, managing that pressure is paramount. We will concentrate on our game and implement our strategies. Our coaches have encouraged us to have faith. One match cannot encapsulate an entire tournament. We are confident in our ability to secure victories.”

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