Pak 'unconcerned' over World T20 opener against India despite World Cup 'jinx'

Pakistani players are not concerned over their tournament opener against arch-rivals India in the ICC World Twenty20 tournament despite their disappointing defeat at the hands of South Africa in the second and final warm-up match.

Pakistan have not won a match against India in a World Cup event, having lost all the previous eight encounters including five 50-overs ODI World Cup matches and three World T20 matches, since 1992.

According to the Express Tribune, Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez feels that defeating arch-rivals India in their World Twenty20 tournament opener can sky rocket his team's morale and believes that their opening match against the 2007 champions is a positive sign.

All-rounder Shahid Afridi agreed with Hafeez although he said that the India clash is one of the three tough group games they have to play, adding that their group in the World T20 tournament is tough as they have to face Australia and the defending champions West Indies.

Shoaib Malik is also unfazed and said that his aim is to perform in all the matches, but the India match is important as it is their 'first fixture'.

Saeed Ajmal said that he takes India as any other opposition, adding that his aim has always been to take maximum wickets to help my team.

Umar Akmal claimed he is not afraid of the Indian team and said that although Pakistan-India matches draw a lot of hype, but he remains 'fearless' of this 'big game'.

India and Pakistan face each other in the opening group two encounter of the ICC World T20 tournament on March 21 in Mirpur, the report added.