Pakistan's Historic T20 World Cup Win Over India: A Turning Point for the Team

Pakistan's historic victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup marked a significant turning point for the team. Prior to that triumph, Pakistan had never defeated India in a World Cup match, either in the 50-over or T20 format.

Mohammad Rizwan, a key member of the victorious Pakistan squad, recently shared his insights into the impact of that win. He recalled how former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) president Ramiz Raja instilled a belief in the team that they could overcome their Indian rivals.

"He had started developing this thought in the team from right then," Rizwan said. "As we got closer to the World Cup, he said, regardless of whether you win the trophy or not, just don't lose to India."

Rizwan also revealed the message from then-coach Matthew Hayden ahead of the high-profile clash. "He put his arms around me and the captain and asked how we are feeling. The captain said that we have worked hard and now we leave it all in the hands of God."

The victory had a profound impact on the Pakistani players and the nation as a whole. Rizwan described how people refused to let him and his teammates pay for goods and services, expressing their gratitude for the team's achievement.

"In Pakistan, say I go for shopping somewhere, people won't take money. Then I stopped going out for shopping because they just weren't taking money from us, they were all commending us for beating India. Everyone I met was commending us for the win."

The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most intense in world cricket, and the 2021 T20 World Cup match was no exception. Rizwan acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing in such a high-stakes encounter.

"India vs Pakistan always comes with pressure. People may not watch all matches in a tournament but this is a game everyone sits down to watch, regardless of which country they belong to."

Pakistan and India are set to face off again in the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 9. The match promises to be another thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between these two cricketing giants.

Tags: #PakistanCricket, #IndiaCricket, #T20WorldCup, #MohammadRizwan, #RamizRaja