Mumbai: Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men were humbled by a well-spirited New Zealand side to lose to opening ICC World T20 Super match by 47 runs at Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium in Nagpur on Tuesday.
Read: Will 'strip dance' if Pak beats India, says Pakistani TV actress
The number one-ranked team in the tournament crumbled under quality spin bowling by the Kiwis in particular Mitchell Santner, who led from the front with his four-wicket haul.
Read: MS Dhoni slams batsmen, says they lacked adaptability
Understand the huge margin of defeat is an ominous concern, skipper Dhoni admitted the team have to win the remaining matches to keep their hopes alive of qualifying to the next stage.
Also Read: Can’t afford to lose anymore: MS Dhoni
India next face arch rivals Pakistan on Saturday at Eden Gardens. Dhoni and Co will obviously start as favourites, having first the advantage of playing in home conditions and recently emerging victorious against ‘Men in Green’ in the Asia Cup.
But Team India will have to bounce back at no cost.
While Pakistan are gearing up for the mouth-watering encounter, there is one fan who is quite keen to witness a Pakistan win. No, he’s not the famous Mohammad Bashir but the ‘mauka mauka’ fan.
Watch: After Asia Cup win, Team India brings Mauka back
In a brand new ‘mauka mauka’ commercial released by broadcasters Star Sports, the Pakistan fan, via a video conference call, begs Afridi to defeat the hosts.
Pakistan have never won against India in six World Cup matches (1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2011 and 2015). They have also come out second best in four World T20 encounters (two in 2007 and in 2012, 2014).
“A lot of people are saying all sorts of things outside but you don’t listen. I too am not listening. This time show them. Tell them how to hammer a six,” he said in the video.
The fan then calls his son and pleads Afridi to win this encounter at least for the toddler.
If India's loss to New Zealand wasn't enough, Dhoni’s headaches just increased after Pakistan's 55-run win over Bangladesh. The win augurs well considering the next match against India is at the same venue.
When India played Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2015, the ‘mauka mauka' ad caught the fancy of many viewers.
