There's a huge possibility of India extending their streak to 13-0 against Pakistan: Sourav Ganguly

Former India cricketer and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly is confident that India will extend their spotless World Cup streak against Pakistan to 13-0. The arch-rivals are set to clash on October 24 in Dubai in the Super12 clash, with India entering the head-to-head record 12-0, having won all the five previous encounters in the T20 World Cup, apart from seven in the the50-over tournament.

In a recent interaction with ABP News in the build-up of the game, Ganguly said that Pakistan have a couple of good players, and if they click then “anything can happen” but went on to back India to topple their Asian rivals nonetheless.

“Yes, there is a huge possibility of 13-0 happening and India extending their unbeaten streak against Pakistan in this World Cup. All the players in this Indian team are genuine match-winners and fingers crossed, this team can finally end our 10 years wait of winning a world cup. Pakistan is also a good team. If one or two players click, then anything can happen. To win the mental battle is important. I feel it will be a great match!” Ganguly stated.

It’s not like that India will win every time: Sourav Ganguly

Owing to political tensions between the neighbouring countries, India-Pakistan rivalry has turned into a mere ICC event showpiece, with their last bilateral face-off dating back to 2012. However, the two sides met in ODI World Cup 2019, when India won a rain-marred encounter by 89 runs.

Ganguly highlighted that India might not win every time but continue to remain the favourites given their brilliant record. Notably, this is the first instance when Virat Kohli and Babar Azam will face each other in an international fixture.

“It’s not like that India will win every time. It is only natural that there will be gaps between World Cup wins. India won the World Cup in 2011, as well as in 2007. We played the final in 2003 and 2014. Even in 2017, we played Champions Trophy final but lost to Pakistan. Indian cricket is so strong that we will keep getting chances to play the final. Even this year we are hopeful. India is a big contender, but fingers crossed.”