Raina sends warning to Pakistan ahead of Indo-Pak clash

Indian middle-order batsman Suresh Raina is confident that Men in Blue will do well against Pakistan, when the arch-rivals clash during the ongoing International Cricket Council (ICC) 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.

Both sides are scheduled to lock horns on June 16 at Old Trafford in Manchester.

“I do not think that at this point of time, any of the players will be thinking about the Pakistan match because we need to do well in our initial matches and if we will be able to win those matches then I do not think there will be an issue for the Pakistan match,” Raina said according to The Indian Express.

The 32-year-old added that there will be pressure on India heading into the match, in case they don’t start the tournament in a positive manner.

“But in case we lose some the matches, then I can say that there will be pressure on India for the Pakistan match, but if we win the first three matches then I do not think our World Cup record is going to break and Pakistan cannot beat us,” he said.

Pakistan suffered a demoralising loss against West Indies, in their opening game of the tournament, by seven wickets. The Men in Green will play their next match, in the 2019 World Cup, against hosts England on Monday, June 3 at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.  

Meanwhile India will begin their campaign against South Africa, on June 5 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.