Pakistan opener Saim Ayub said on Saturday that the team was aiming to play fearless cricket not only against India but in every match of the tournament.
Speaking at a press conference in Dubai ahead of the high-stakes encounter, Ayub said the Pakistan–India clash holds great significance for fans, but the team prepares equally for every fixture.
He emphasised the importance of process and improvement, saying the players trust each other and are committed to collective performance. “If someone doesn't perform in one or two matches, they can still win a big match for the team,” he said.
Ayub added that the team is not relying on just one or two players. “It’s a squad of 11 to 15. We want every player to contribute in a match-winning way so that a strong combination is built.”
Regarding match-day expectations, Ayub said that while effort and preparation are in their control, performance on the day cannot be predicted.
On pitch conditions, he said the team had assessed them and observed a dry surface, suggesting that batting first might be preferable. “We will see on the match day how the pitch looks,” he added.
He added that selection decisions will be made according to conditions. “If three spinners seem suitable, we will play them. If fast bowlers are more appropriate, the coaches will go with that.”
Ayub said the team is doing its utmost to achieve the best possible results and that the management has urged players to learn from the past and move forward.
“What happened yesterday is not important. We are focusing on what can be done better now,” he said.
He maintained that the aim is to play fearless cricket against every team, including India. “This tournament is the most important one. We want to win it,” he added.
