Just that India handled pressure better: Aamir Sohail

It's time for yet another World Cup classic between India and Pakistan. Let me tell you up front that more than 90 per cent of the pressure is created by the passionate masses on either side of the border. But a professional sportsperson must have the ability to absorb that pressure. If he can't do so, then he will fail more often and not. And the best way to go about it is by playing your natural game.

I know the Indian fans will not think twice before citing their team's wonderful 5-0 World Cup record against Pakistan. Then again, there is no specific reason for this rather unusual record. Lest we forget, the overall head-to-head record is 72-50 in Pakistan's favour. It's just that India handled the pressure a couple of notches better than Pakistan in those five games.

I want to bring to your notice an important point. There was a player called Sachin Tendulkar, who played a very, very crucial role in each of those games. The record books tell me he was the Man of the Match in three of the five contests. Like the pitch and conditions, Sachin was a factor. So, who's going to assume his role for Team India this time?

I know you must be thinking of the 1996 quarterfinal in Bangalore. I was also the captain then. As always, I backed myself to do well. If you remember, Saeed Anwar and I were off to a brilliant start. I then decided to frustrate the bowler (Venkatesh Prasad) by doing what I did! Yes, it didn't work. It was a good delivery and I was back in the pavilion. But I still maintain that the idea was a good one. My aim was to score as many runs as possible before the spinners took control of the game. Saeed and I were looking to set up the game for our strong middle order comprising Ijaz Ahmed, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Saleem Malik, Javed Miandad and Rashid Latif. But that one good delivery changed it all.

I represented Pakistan for 10 years. Not once did we discuss plans and strategies. We just backed each other and said stuff like, "Okay guys, let's get the job done." That's about it.

So, who are the players to watch out for on Sunday? I think Mohammad Irfan will play a very, very crucial role. It will be interesting to me who shares the new ball with him. It has to be someone who can sustain the pressure Irfan is going to create by generating bounce.

That apart, Pakistan would want their openers to do well. The Indian bowlers have been spraying the ball around. If you watched the Test series, you would have noticed that the Aussies didn't have to work hard for runs. The Indian bowlers bowled a loose ball almost every over. The Australian batsmen had to simply wait for those bad balls. And that's why I think our openers will have to be smart and patient. Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq will then be required to hold the innings together.

In the Indian team, I expect Rohit Sharma to play an important role. He is in form. Also, he is known to play the pull and hook pretty well. How he counters Irfan will be interesting to watch. As you already know, India have been doing the coffee table drill to prepare for Irfan. I used to do the same thing before embarking on a tour of Australia.

It is also important for the players to understand that once you are on the field, you are not supposed to think about anything but the job at hand. If you feel the pressure in the middle, then you are a weak person. Your mind must not be consumed by such negative thoughts.

Sunday's contest will be a battle between India's batsmen and Pakistan's bowlers. But do India's bowlers have the ability to restrict Pakistan to, say, 250 or 270? Even if they don't, I will back India's batsmen to chase down a big total. But knowing Pakistan, I am sure they will play five specialist bowlers to make things difficult for India. That's why skipper MS Dhoni will have to step up with the bat too.

All said and done, India are the favourites. Which is why I think this is Pakistan's best chance to cause an upset and make it 5-1 instead of 6-0.

I hope the best team wins.

–The writer is a former Pakistan captain. He spoke to Derek Abraham