World Cup: Pakistan youngsters look forward to India clash

Pakistan youngsters Haris Sohail and Muhammad Irfan are looking forward to the India game in the upcoming cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The talented youngsters are keen to make an impression against the arch-rivals in their opening fixture at the Adelaide Oval.

Left-handed middle-order batsman and left-arm spinner Sohail, who has impressed everyone with his allround abilities in the recent series against New Zealand in the UAE, said that he is focused on the all-important game on February 15.

"Everyone knows how important a game against India is; especially in the World Cup. I am totally focused on the match and want to do something special against them," he said.

Haris said that he was aware of the batting strength of the Indians. "I see the match as a big challenge because we have never defeated India in a World Cup and I know I can make an impact," he said.

Sohail, who hails from Sialkot, said that while he admired a few of the Indian players for their cricketing abilities but he was also keen on being better than them in the Pool B Adelaide encounter, which is already a sold out fixture.

"Playing against India has always been a dream and I hope I get a chance to play against them. Because if a player performs well against India; he is recognised as a top player in Pakistan."

Sohail said that being defending champions would put more pressure on India.

Meanwhile tall left-arm pacer Irfan said that he is focusing on the 50-over showpiece event but he is also looking forward to the India game.

"It will be a new experience bowling to their batsmen on Australian pitches. I hope to get more bounce and pace and I know that with my height I can make life difficult for all their batsmen," he said.

Irfan, who performed well against India in his comeback series in India in the winter of 2012, said he had plans for every top batsman in the World Cup and Indian players were no different.

"I want to be part of the team that creates history by beating India in ICC event and I want to play an important role in doing this," he added.