Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has suggested that India may intentionally lose in its final two World Cup 2019 league matches against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to dent his nation's chances of reaching semifinals.
India has nine points in five matches and will take another big step towards a last four place with a win over West Indies on Thursday in Manchester.
READ | World Cup 2019 semifinals qualification
"India have so far played only five matches. India will always wish that Pakistan never makes it to the semifinals. India's remaining matches are against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. We all saw how they won against Afghanistan (by 11 runs). So according to me, Pakistan should only focus on the New Zealand match," Basit Ali told ARY News before Pakistan's six-wicket win over New Zealand on Wednesday.
India also have to play host and World No. 2 side England before its final two pool matches. "People won't say they lost intentionally but they are capable of doing it. We won't even know if they are playing to lose. How did they play against Afghanistan? How did Australia play against India? David Warner also played poorly.
"Cricket is not a game of chance. In 1992, New Zealand lost intentionally to Pakistan (in the league stages). Even Imran Khan would agree to that. They lost on purpose so that they could play against us in the semifinals," said Basit, who has two international hundreds to his name.
Pakistan has seven points from seven matches and wins over Afghanistan and Bangladesh coupled with results going its way will ensure a semifinal place for the 1992 World Cup winner.
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