India vs. Pakistan World Cup contests have traditionally set a precedent, and Sunday was no exception. India and Pakistan's opening T20 World Cup match at the MCG was a nail-biter that went down to the wire.

India chased down 160 to defeat Pakistan, with Virat Kohli's brilliant 82-ball performance as the catalyst. On the eve of Diwali, India, however, was filled with excitement as a result of the results, but Pakistan was devastated. Despite the drama surrounding the final over, Pakistan accepted defeat with dignity.

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After the game, Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, gave an inspiring speech to lift the team's morale. Babar stated that, despite specific errors, the team's overall performance was commendable and that players should go on in the tournament without carrying any baggage from the India encounter. Babar added that players should desist from playing the blame game and take comfort in the fact that the squad was able to stay in the game until the very last ball.

"Brothers, it was a good match. We put in the effort, like always. Some mistakes happen, but we have to learn from them, we shouldn't fail. Remember that the tournament has just started, and we have many matches left. Nobody should fall. Ultimately, I would say we didn't lose because of one person. We all lost as a team," Babar said in a video Cricket Pakistan shared.

"No one should point fingers at one person; this should not happen in this team. As a team, we have lost; as a team, we will win. We have to stick together; remember that. We have had good performances too. Look at those too. Some outstanding performances have been, but we must work on the small mistakes committed."

“We win as one and lose as one!”

The final over of the match was bowled by Mohammad Nawaz, who could not defend 16 runs. Nawaz threw a waist-high no-ball blasted for six by Kohli, granting India a free hit, and followed it up with a wide that proved to be highly costly for Pakistan. Despite the error, Babar encouraged Nawaz, referring to him as his match-winner and predicting that he would provide many more match-winning performances.

"Especially, Nawaz, don't worry. You are my match-winner, and I will always believe in you. No matter what happens. You will win matches for me. The efforts were outstanding. It was a pressure game, but you took it close. Very well done. Whatever it is, leave it here. Going ahead, we will start afresh. We have played well as a team and must continue that. Wish you all the best," Babar added.