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As the 2023 ODI World Cup approaches, Pakistan's star all-rounder Shadab Khan exudes confidence in his squad's fortitude, especially as they gear up for a high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad come October 14.
While fully aware of India's unbeaten streak against Pakistan in 50-over World Cup clashes, Shadab is bullish about his team's mental agility and readiness. He candidly remarked, as captured by Cricket Pakistan.pk, "We won't have the crowd support in India. In that sense we'll have to be very strong mentally. The way our players are, mentally strong, I think we'll have a good tournament."
The young 24-year-old talent accentuated the significance of kick-starting the tourney on a positive note, declaring, "Winning the World Cup in India will be like the icing on the cake...it's a great opportunity for all the teams." Having tasted success against India in the T20I World Cup in Dubai two years prior, Shadab draws from a reservoir of experience.
Shadab is back in the limelight, gearing up for Pakistan's upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka, with subsequent games in the Asia Cup. Fellow cricketing stalwarts Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf are also marking their returns.
The ODI face-off against Afghanistan is set to kick off on August 22, with Pakistan's Asia Cup journey starting against Nepal on August 30 in Multan.
Though Pakistan showcased a valiant effort by reaching the Asia Cup T20I final in 2022, they fell short, conceding a 23-run defeat to Sri Lanka. However, with the World Cup on the horizon, the team, bolstered by Shadab's unwavering faith in their mental prowess, is determined to change the script.
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