'Records exist to be broken': Pakistan captain issues stern warning ahead of IND-PAK clash

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana struck a confident note ahead of her side’s Women’s World Cup clash against India, insisting that past results will not define Sunday’s high-stakes contest at the R Premadasa Stadium.

India hold an 11-0 lead in women’s ODIs against their arch-rivals, but Sana believes her side has the ability to turn the tide.

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“Firstly, whatever records exist between India and Pakistan, they are meant to be broken. It’s not that Pakistan will never win against them,” Sana said at the pre-match press conference on Saturday. “We believe in playing good cricket no matter who the opponent is. So we won’t think about past history, we’ll focus only on the day we play.”

Pakistan began their campaign with a heavy seven-wicket defeat to Bangladesh. Despite that setback, the skipper said the team’s belief remains intact. “Coaches have told us to believe. You can’t define an entire tournament based on one match. So we believe that we can still win games,” she added.

Sana also acknowledged the added pressure of the marquee fixture, with global attention on the contest. “Of course, it’s a match with a lot of pressure. We know that India-Pakistan matches are being watched by the whole world. But handling that pressure is the main thing. We will try to focus on that, play our game and execute our plans.”

The build-up to the match has been shaped by politically charged actions and undertones. Indian players are expected to skip the customary handshake, continuing the stance seen during the men’s Asia Cup earlier this year.

This stands in contrast to their last ODI World Cup meeting in 2022, when images of Indian cricketers bonding with then-Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof’s daughter went viral.

Sana, however, said the focus for her side remains clear. “Our main goal is to play well. Our relationship with the other teams is good. We will try to fulfil the spirit of the game,” she stated. “What happened before, like with Bismah’s daughter when everyone mingled and enjoyed together – as players, we all like such moments. But the main thing is to stay focused on what we have come here for.”

India and Pakistan face off on Sunday in Colombo, with the latter chasing their first win of the tournament. The match is scheduled to commence at 3:00 PM IST.

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