Suresh Raina column: Expect Virat Kohli, Babar Azam to lead from the front in India-Pakistan match

My experience in matches against Pakistan was that they always played their hearts out.

The two teams met at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time in the group stages in 2007, when India won in a bowl-out.

When India and Pakistan play, it’s always exciting and good for fans to watch. Many millions of people tune in and expect to be entertained – they are never disappointed.

That was true from the start at the T20 World Cup and then they met in the final of the first tournament, with India winning by five runs.

Suresh Raina column: India must win the T20 World Cup for Virat Kohli

I was involved in the games in 2014 and 2016. If you ask me, as a player, it was always a high-pressure game. In the build-up, everyone is just telling you how big it is.

You need to make sure you calm your nerves, focus on the process and play 40 overs of good cricket. It’s easier said than done, but it’s the only way to try to win that game.

It’s all about handling the pressure and enjoying the game – if you can. That’s what India have always done over the years, and tried to go…

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