ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Starting The Tournament With A Big Win, Brought Momentum To The Team: Shoaib Malik

Senior Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik said that winning against India in the opening match gave the team a lot of confidence.

Pakistan thumped arch-rivals India by 10 wickets in their first match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, and from there on, they look the side to beat in the tournament.

When you start the tournament with a win against a big team: Shoaib Malik

Malik, who captained Pakistan in the 2007 T20 World Cup, said that starting the tournament with a win against a big team brings momentum for any team.

“To be honest, of course, when you start your tournament, and you start your tournament against a big team, and then you win that game, then everything comes in your dressing room,” Malik said at the pre-match press conference.

“And I guess momentum and everything has come to us when we played that game. Obviously, when you start the tournament, the goal is to give your best shot as a team,” he added.

Pakistan also defeated the likes of New Zealand and Afghanistan despite struggling in the chase at a particular juncture.

Pakistan have won three games on the trot in the showpiece event so far and have set their one foot in the knockout stage.

Malik said seeing the Pakistan team perform consistently well is the biggest thing for him.

“To see consistency in Pakistan dressing room, that’s the biggest thing for me so far, and everyone’s helping each other. And it’s a team game,” Malik mentioned.

“When you’re playing a team game, then you need your teammates’ help. You need a lot of support from your management. And I see all of that coming,” he added.

You can’t take the opposition lightly: Shoaib Malik

Pakistan will be taking on Namibia, who won and lost a game each. Malik mentioned that even though his team is on top of the points table in Group 2, they won’t take Namibia lightly.

“To be honest, we are not thinking any different because T20 format is where you can’t take the opposition lightly,” Malik mentioned.

“We are fully confident and, in fact, leaving soon for our practice session. So looking forward for the game,” he added.

Pakistan will play against Namibia on Tuesday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Only Pakistan Look Likely To Stop England At This Stage: Michael Vaughan