Babar Azam Talks pressure, focus ahead of T20 World Cup showdown against India

COLOMBO: Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has opened up about the pressure and emotions surrounding the highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Babar described the Pakistan-India rivalry as one of the most intense contests in cricket, attracting enormous global attention. “A Pakistan-India match is always high intensity. The whole world and the fans are involved, and expectations naturally rise,” he said.

Babar accentuated the importance of mental composure in such high-pressure encounters. Drawing from his experience, he highlighted that staying calm and blocking out outside noise can make the difference between success and failure. “We’ve learned that the more we stay cool, relaxed, and don’t listen to what people say, the better it is. Youngsters often get excited, but if you remain tension-free and composed, it works in your favor,” he added.

Both teams head into Sunday’s match unbeaten. Pakistan have secured victories over the Netherlands and the USA, while India have defeated the USA and Namibia.

Historically, India have dominated the T20 International rivalry, winning 13 of the 16 meetings between the sides. Pakistan have claimed three victories. In T20 World Cup history, India hold a 6-1 advantage, with one match ending in no result.

However, when Pakistan and India face off in T20 cricket, numbers can tell a story, but they rarely dictate the outcome. While India has historically dominated the head-to-head tally, every encounter between these two sides proves that past results are just a backdrop. Tight finishes, last-over dramas, and sudden momentum swings mean that no matter how strong the data looks, a single spell, partnership, or misfield can completely rewrite the narrative.

The unpredictability of this rivalry is its defining trait. Pakistan has shown on multiple occasions – like their dominant 10-wicket chase in Dubai 2021, that a well-timed performance can overturn years of statistics and expectations. In T20 cricket, fine margins and fierce nerves often outweigh historical trends, ensuring that every Pakistan-India match is as much a test of composure and bravery as it is of skill.