ISLAMABAD (DNA) – Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Sunday advised Pakistan team captain Sarfaraz Ahmed to bat first against India [if the team wins the toss] and play fearlessly till the last bowl.

In a series of tweets, PM Khan gave suggestions to the team and stated: “When I started my cricketing career I assumed success was 70% talent & 30% mind. By the time I finished playing cricket I felt it was 50-50 ratio. But now I tend to agree with my friend Gavaskar it’s 60% mental strength & 40 % talent. Today role of mind will be more than 60%.”

He further stated that given the intensity of Pak-India match today, both teams will come under great mental pressure and the power of the mind will decide the outcome of the match.

“In Sarfaraz we are fortunate to have a bold captain & today he will have to be at his daring best. In order to have a winning offensive strategy Sarfaraz must go in with specialist batsmen and bowlers,” he added.

He went on to add: “All fears of losing should be banished from the mind as the mind can only process one thought at a time.

Fear of losing leads to a negative & defensive strategy and crucially mistakes by opponents are not pounced upon. So here are my suggestions for Sarfaraz and Pakistan team.”

In the next tweet, the PM stated, “In order ro have a winning offensive strategy Sarfaraz must go in with specialist batsmen and bowlers because “Raillu Kattas” rarely perform under pressure – especially the intense kind that will be generated today. 2. Unless pitch is damp, Sarfaraz must win the toss and bat.”

The premier further mentioned, “Finally, even though India may be the favourites, banish all fear of losing. Just give your best and fight till the last ball. Then accept whatever the result like true sportsmen. The nation’s prayers are with all of you. Good Luck.”

Pakistan are all set to face India at the group stage match at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester today. The match will start at 2:30pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST).