Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan says his side are striving to stay "brave and calm" for their second clash with India as the arch-rivals prepare for their next Asia Cup showdown on Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Babar Azam's team crushed Hong Kong with a 155-run victory on Friday to seal their spot in the final four of the tournament, an entree to the T20 World Cup in October-November.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Afghanistan first plays Sri Lanka in Sharjah on Saturday, but it's the much-awaited India-Pakistan battle that is expected to pack the Dubai stadium a day later.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Playing India is always a pressure game. The whole world, even beyond Asia, wait for it," Rizwan, who hit an unbeaten 78 against Hong Kong, told reporters on Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"The pressure will be equally on India and us, but the result will be with whoever remains brave and keeps calm," added the wicketkeeper-batsman.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pakistan posted 193-2 and skittled out Hong Kong for a paltry 38 in Sharjah to bounce back from their opening loss to India, who won both their matches in Group A.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I tell players, whether you play India or Hong Kong, it's a game of bat and ball," said Rizwan, 30.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"So keep it simple. Yes, it's a big game and our confidence is high but only hard work is in our hands, as the result is from God."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Every India-Pakistan match draws packed stadiums and millions of viewers on TV and digital platforms.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The two rival nations only play each other in multi-nation events thanks to years of political tensions that have occasionally erupted into war.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fans from both countries anticipate a third meeting in next week's final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We have to play good cricket and make the final," said Rizwan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Our fans demand that we give our best and it is visible this time that the boys are giving it their all."<\/p>\r\n\r\n