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ICC Champions Trophy: 'It will really matter if we beat India', says Pak skipper Misbah

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ANI Birmingham (UK)
Last Updated : Jun 14 2013 | 7:35 PM IST

Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq today said Saturday's game against India is a very important one, and added that it will really matter for the fans back home if his side manages victory against the arch-rival.

"At some extent, I think it is because this game is very important. But disappointment will remain somehow because every team wants to win the championship whenever you are there to participate in such tournaments because it's the second biggest tournament and you need to go ahead in these sorts of tournaments. But still I think, it's a big game and it will really matter if we win that," said Misbah.

"People really want win in Pakistan and India. Whenever we play each other, it's like a final for everybody," he added, when asked whether the Pakistani fans would be satisfied if his side beats India despite the fact that it is now out of the tournament.

Misbah said there is no pressure on his team now, and added that it will look out to outperform India in the next game.

"These bowlers have already played against India and we were there in India before for the series and they have bowled effectively at most of the batsmen. So, it's back in their minds also, they are confident about that and they are very much capable of just doing that. So, I think that will help them, that will help us as a team because lately we did well against India," said Misbah," when asked whether he has worked out a plan with his bowlers to restrict the strong Indian battling line up.

"As per the tournament, there is no pressure on us now. So, it's a chance for us to prove ourselves, go there and get something back. So, I think as a player, as a team, there should not be any pressure on us. We should just express ourselves, go there and try to win that game," he added.

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Misbah further said the viewers both in India and Pakistan look forward to the clash against the arch-rivals.

" Everybody knows that India-Pakistan is always a game most of the viewers are looking forward (to it) because the audience, especially in India and Pakistan, you can say are more followers of cricket and they always want to see India-Pakistan playing each other. So, I think still it's an important game for both teams and both teams want to win that game," he said.

India has already made it to the semi-finals, whereas Pakistan is out of contention.

India is in an advantageous position with two comprehensive victories over South Africa and West Indies.

India is placed in group B, along with South Africa, Pakistan and the West Indies.

The result of Saturday's match will have no bearing on their fortunes in the tournament.

However, a match between India and Pakistan is always exciting and tense for fans closely following the game.

The Champions Trophy is the second biggest one-day tournament, played between all the Test playing nations, the first being the World Cup.

Two groups with four teams each participate in a round-robin format in the first round with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-final.

The final will be played on June 23.

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First Published: Jun 14 2013 | 7:10 PM IST

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