India captain Virat Kohli became the fastest batsman to reach the landmark total of 11,000 runs in one day international cricket during Sunday's World Cup match against Pakistan.

Kohli reached the 11,000 mark in 222 innings -- beating the previous record held by compatriot Sachin Tendulkar who took 276 innings to rack up that total.

The Indian skipper was 71 not out when rain stopped play at Old Trafford in the 47th over with India 305-4.

Tendulkar still holds the record for the most career ODI runs with 18,426.

India captain Virat Kohli became the fastest batsman to reach the landmark total of 11,000 runs in one day international cricket during Sunday's World Cup match against Pakistan.

India captain Virat Kohli became the fastest batsman to reach the landmark total of 11,000 runs in one day international cricket during Sunday's World Cup match against Pakistan. Kohli reached the 11,000 mark in 222 innings -- beating the previous record held by compatriot Sachin Tendulkar who took 276 innings to rack up that total. The Indian skipper was 71 not out when rain stopped play at Old Trafford in the 47th over with India 305-4. Tendulkar still holds the record for the most career ODI runs with 18,426.

Virat Kohli becomes fastest to reach 11,000 runs mark

Best moments from India's innings against Pakistan in World Cup match

India fans won't leave anything to chance for their team's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-indian-team-attends-practice-session-ahead-of-crucial-pakistan-clash-227461">World Cup match against bitter rivals Pakistan</a> as they turn superstitious in a bid to inspire their team to a memorable victory.

Virat&nbsp;Kohli's side clash with Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday in the most eagerly-anticipated games of the group stage.

With bi-lateral series between the two nations suspended after India blamed Pakistan for the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, the Asian giants only meet in multi-nation events.

India boast a 6-0 record against Pakistan in the World Cup and their supporters are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that impressive streak remains unblemished.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-miandads-on-field-antics-to-tendulkars-brilliance-throwback-to-india-and-pakistans-world-cup-history-227335">Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history</a>

"I have come all the way from New Jersey with my brother-in-law to watch India beat Pakistan at Old Trafford. It's not a vacation but a pilgrimage for us," Hiten Patel, an Indian who lives in the US, told AFP.

"My brother-in-law and I have decided to abstain from non-vegetarian food till the India-Pak match gets over and hopefully that is our totka (a charm) for India to win."

Two-time champions India, one of the favourites to lift the trophy along with holders Australia and hosts England, have won two of their first three matches, with the other rained off.

Pakistan have lost two of their four games, but Indian fans are wary of their rivals' unpredictable nature after a shock loss in the 2017 Champions Trophy final when Sarfaraz Ahmed's team hammered favourites India.

'Right foot first'

"You never know with this Pakistani team. They may be down and out but somehow manage to pull a rabbit out of their hats against India," Percy Lakdawada, an Indian living in London, told AFP.

"I always travel to see India play in England and as a ritual I enter the stadium by putting my right foot first. And trust me whenever I have forgotten to do that India has lost," said the 54-year-old businessman.

India's first two matches in Southampton and London have witnessed a sell out crowd dominated by Indians and the rest of the venues are expected to be no different.

Australia skipper Aaron Finch was not surprised by the sea of blue at the Oval on Sunday in contrast to just a handful of Aussie fans.

While most fans prefer to wear the Indian team's jersey when taking their seats in the stands, one woman told AFP that the blue is bad luck for her.

"I once wore the Indian team jersey during a match in the 1999 World Cup and India lost. Since then I just wear any other colour than blue," said Meena Jain, who lives in Nottingham and is travelling for four Indian games including the Pakistan showdown.

"My husband and my son though will cheer the team in blue," the 46-year-old housewife added.

Many players are also superstitious, with Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar always following a certain regimen ahead of matches during his illustrious career.

"Sachin never wanted anyone to even wish him good luck before he went into bat," Tendulkar's biographer Boria Majumdar told AFP.

"For example at Centurion (versus Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup) when coach John Wright went to speak to him, he literally wished John wouldn't say a word.&nbsp;

"The moment the umpires went on the field Sachin walked out and for once took first strike. The rest is history."

Tendulkar's superstitious approach inspired a match-winning knock of 98 that once again stamped India's World Cup superiority over Pakistan, with many of his compatriots hoping their own rituals produce the same outcome on Sunday.

India fans won't leave anything to chance for their team's World Cup match against bitter rivals Pakistan as they turn superstitious in a bid to inspire their team to a memorable victory.

India fans won't leave anything to chance for their team's World Cup match against bitter rivals Pakistan as they turn superstitious in a bid to inspire their team to a memorable victory. Virat Kohli's side clash with Pakistan in Manchester on Sunday in the most eagerly-anticipated games of the group stage. With bi-lateral series between the two nations suspended after India blamed Pakistan for the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, the Asian giants only meet in multi-nation events. India boast a 6-0 record against Pakistan in the World Cup and their supporters are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that impressive streak remains unblemished. In pics: Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history "I have come all the way from New Jersey with my brother-in-law to watch India beat Pakistan at Old Trafford. It's not a vacation but a pilgrimage for us," Hiten Patel, an Indian who lives in the US, told AFP. "My brother-in-law and I have decided to abstain from non-vegetarian food till the India-Pak match gets over and hopefully that is our totka (a charm) for India to win." Two-time champions India, one of the favourites to lift the trophy along with holders Australia and hosts England, have won two of their first three matches, with the other rained off. Pakistan have lost two of their four games, but Indian fans are wary of their rivals' unpredictable nature after a shock loss in the 2017 Champions Trophy final when Sarfaraz Ahmed's team hammered favourites India. 'Right foot first' "You never know with this Pakistani team. They may be down and out but somehow manage to pull a rabbit out of their hats against India," Percy Lakdawada, an Indian living in London, told AFP. "I always travel to see India play in England and as a ritual I enter the stadium by putting my right foot first. And trust me whenever I have forgotten to do that India has lost," said the 54-year-old businessman. India's first two matches in Southampton and London have witnessed a sell out crowd dominated by Indians and the rest of the venues are expected to be no different. Australia skipper Aaron Finch was not surprised by the sea of blue at the Oval on Sunday in contrast to just a handful of Aussie fans. While most fans prefer to wear the Indian team's jersey when taking their seats in the stands, one woman told AFP that the blue is bad luck for her. "I once wore the Indian team jersey during a match in the 1999 World Cup and India lost. Since then I just wear any other colour than blue," said Meena Jain, who lives in Nottingham and is travelling for four Indian games including the Pakistan showdown. "My husband and my son though will cheer the team in blue," the 46-year-old housewife added. Many players are also superstitious, with Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar always following a certain regimen ahead of matches during his illustrious career. "Sachin never wanted anyone to even wish him good luck before he went into bat," Tendulkar's biographer Boria Majumdar told AFP. "For example at Centurion (versus Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup) when coach John Wright went to speak to him, he literally wished John wouldn't say a word. "The moment the umpires went on the field Sachin walked out and for once took first strike. The rest is history." Tendulkar's superstitious approach inspired a match-winning knock of 98 that once again stamped India's World Cup superiority over Pakistan, with many of his compatriots hoping their own rituals produce the same outcome on Sunday.

India fans and their crazy superstitions ahead of Pakistan clash

Captain&nbsp;Virat&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;has sought to play down the hype surrounding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-indian-team-attends-practice-session-ahead-of-crucial-pakistan-clash-227461">India's World Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan</a>, saying the impact of the result will "not last a lifetime".

The two Asian giants lock horns in Manchester on Sunday with more than a billion people expected to tune in for the most-anticipated match of the tournament.

Two-times champions India, who have won all six of their meetings against their neighbours in World Cups, go into the contest in good shape, with two victories and a no-result so far.

Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, are struggling in the 10-team table with just one win -- an upset against England -- two defeats and a washout.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-miandads-on-field-antics-to-tendulkars-brilliance-throwback-to-india-and-pakistans-world-cup-history-227335">Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history</a>

Kohli&nbsp;said his team would focus on their strengths rather than worrying about the weaknesses of any opposition.

"We're not focusing on the opposition, so for us no one's a threat. For us, no one player matters more than the other,"&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;said at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"It's about going into the park as the Indian cricket team and taking on whichever team is in front of us. If we play well, we can beat any side in the world," he said.

Matches between the two countries, who currently only face each other in multi-nation tournaments, are always about more than just what happens on the pitch.&nbsp;

In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-key-players-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-pakistan-clash-227188">Key players to watch out for in India vs Pakistan clash</a>&nbsp;

"I think the best way to approach something like this, if one focuses too much on what's going on the outside, it's to understand that the game starts tomorrow at a certain time and it finishes at a certain time," said&nbsp;Kohli.

"So it's not going to last a lifetime for you, whether you do well or you don't," the captained reasoned with a blank expression.

He added, "From the fans' point of view, looking at the atmosphere and frenzy around the game, I wouldn't say it's easy to think like a player. For the players, it's very, very crucial to be absolutely professional."

The two teams have played each other in 131 one-day international games. Pakistan have a clear edge with 73 wins, despite their poor record against India at World Cups.

With the threat of rain looming over the match,&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;said flexibility would be crucial both for the team's plans and the make-up of the side.

"We can't be rigid in our approach because, if the conditions are very different from what we played in the last game, then we'll have to think of different combinations, " he said.

"If the length of the game is going to be full and we expect the game to be 50 overs both sides, then we'll probably think of another combination, but we'll have to be flexible." 
&nbsp;

Captain Virat Kohli has sought to play down the hype surrounding India's World Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, saying the impact of the result will "not last a lifetime".

Captain Virat Kohli has sought to play down the hype surrounding India's World Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, saying the impact of the result will "not last a lifetime". The two Asian giants lock horns in Manchester on Sunday with more than a billion people expected to tune in for the most-anticipated match of the tournament. Two-times champions India, who have won all six of their meetings against their neighbours in World Cups, go into the contest in good shape, with two victories and a no-result so far. Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, are struggling in the 10-team table with just one win -- an upset against England -- two defeats and a washout. In pics: Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history Kohli said his team would focus on their strengths rather than worrying about the weaknesses of any opposition. "We're not focusing on the opposition, so for us no one's a threat. For us, no one player matters more than the other," Kohli said at Old Trafford on Saturday. "It's about going into the park as the Indian cricket team and taking on whichever team is in front of us. If we play well, we can beat any side in the world," he said. Matches between the two countries, who currently only face each other in multi-nation tournaments, are always about more than just what happens on the pitch. In pics: Key players to watch out for in India vs Pakistan clash "I think the best way to approach something like this, if one focuses too much on what's going on the outside, it's to understand that the game starts tomorrow at a certain time and it finishes at a certain time," said Kohli. "So it's not going to last a lifetime for you, whether you do well or you don't," the captained reasoned with a blank expression. He added, "From the fans' point of view, looking at the atmosphere and frenzy around the game, I wouldn't say it's easy to think like a player. For the players, it's very, very crucial to be absolutely professional." The two teams have played each other in 131 one-day international games. Pakistan have a clear edge with 73 wins, despite their poor record against India at World Cups. With the threat of rain looming over the match, Kohli said flexibility would be crucial both for the team's plans and the make-up of the side. "We can't be rigid in our approach because, if the conditions are very different from what we played in the last game, then we'll have to think of different combinations, " he said. "If the length of the game is going to be full and we expect the game to be 50 overs both sides, then we'll probably think of another combination, but we'll have to be flexible."

India-Pakistan World Cup result will not be career-defining, says Virat Kohli

On the eve of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-key-players-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-pakistan-clash-227188">India vs Pakistan match</a>, a miniature of the Cricket World Cup trophy crafted by an Indian jewellery-making unit was seen in India's Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

The mini trophy was prepared in three months and it will be gifted to the Indian cricket team, but there is one condition.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli-led team will only win the mini trophy if they win against Pakistan when they square off in Manchester on June 16.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-miandads-on-field-antics-to-tendulkars-brilliance-throwback-to-india-and-pakistans-world-cup-history-227335">Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history</a>

The 18-mm high trophy is composed of 22 carats of gold and weighs 0.880 milligrams.&nbsp;

Two-times champions India, who have won all six of their meetings against their neighbours in World Cups, go into the contest in good shape, with two victories and a no-result so far.

Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, are struggling in the 10-team table with just one win -- an upset against England -- two defeats and a washout.

"We're not focusing on the opposition, so for us no one's a threat. For us, no one player matters more than the other,"&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;said at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"It's about going into the park as the Indian cricket team and taking on whichever team is in front of us. If we play well, we can beat any side in the world," he said.

On the eve of India vs Pakistan match, a miniature of the Cricket World Cup trophy crafted by an Indian jewellery-making unit was seen in India's Ahmedabad. The mini trophy was prepared in three months and it will be gifted to the Indian cricket team, but there is one condition.

On the eve of India vs Pakistan match, a miniature of the Cricket World Cup trophy crafted by an Indian jewellery-making unit was seen in India's Ahmedabad. The mini trophy was prepared in three months and it will be gifted to the Indian cricket team, but there is one condition. Virat Kohli-led team will only win the mini trophy if they win against Pakistan when they square off in Manchester on June 16. In pics: Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history The 18-mm high trophy is composed of 22 carats of gold and weighs 0.880 milligrams. Two-times champions India, who have won all six of their meetings against their neighbours in World Cups, go into the contest in good shape, with two victories and a no-result so far. Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, are struggling in the 10-team table with just one win -- an upset against England -- two defeats and a washout. "We're not focusing on the opposition, so for us no one's a threat. For us, no one player matters more than the other," Kohli said at Old Trafford on Saturday. "It's about going into the park as the Indian cricket team and taking on whichever team is in front of us. If we play well, we can beat any side in the world," he said.

Guess who will win this miniature Cricket World Cup trophy?

Pakistan's rising star Babar Azam has revealed he models himself on India captain&nbsp;Virat&nbsp;Kohli&nbsp;just days before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-key-players-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-pakistan-clash-227188">fierce rivals clash</a> in an explosive World Cup showdown.

Babar holds the key for Pakistan against old foes India in Manchester on Sunday and the batsman has been fine-tuning his game by watching videos of the supremely talented&nbsp;Kohli.

Babar showed his class by scoring a brilliant 63 in Pakistan's 348-8 when they beat pre-tournament favourites England earlier in the World Cup.

His heroics gave Pakistan their only win so far in the tournament, with defeats against the West Indies and Australia, while their match against Sri Lanka was rained off.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-miandads-on-field-antics-to-tendulkars-brilliance-throwback-to-india-and-pakistans-world-cup-history-227335">Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history</a>

While there is no love lost between India and Pakistan on or off the pitch, Babar is willing to admit he watches&nbsp;Kohli's batting and tries to learn from him.

"I watch his batting and the way he bats in various conditions and try to learn from them," Babar told reporters.&nbsp;

"I try to learn with experience. This is my process of learning, so I try my hundred per cent.&nbsp;

"His (Kohli) winning ratio is higher (for India) so I am trying to achieve that as well."

Babar, 24, says Pakistan's Champions Trophy final demolition of India two years ago has increased the team's confidence they can claim another surprise success against India this weekend.

"The Champions Trophy win gave us confidence and will also help here as well because the team is mostly the same and that win is always an inspiration," Babar said.

Pakistan, trounced by 124 runs in the opening match of the Champions Trophy by India, hit back by crushing their bitter rivals in the final.

Their 180-run win at the Oval is the biggest over India in all ODIs.

"That win can never go off our memories and it's a big inspiration," he said.

The India-Pakistan clash will be watched by a vast global audience and Babar insists the pressure will spur his unpredictable team to produce their best.

"We are well prepared for this match because India and Pakistan matches are exciting and demanding and the whole world watches it," Babar said.

"The whole team is positive so we are looking forward to the match. Not only me but all the players want to finish on a high, whoever hits form wants to win it."

And Babar is confident Pakistan will handle India's potent pace attack, led by world number one ODI bowler Jasprit Bumrah.&nbsp;

"No doubt, India have a good bowling attack but we have played well against England who also have a very good pace attack so all of us are confident the Indian pace attack will be properly handled," Babar said.

Pakistan's rising star Babar Azam has revealed he models himself on India captain Virat Kohli just days before the fierce rivals clash in an explosive World Cup showdown.

Pakistan's rising star Babar Azam has revealed he models himself on India captain Virat Kohli just days before the fierce rivals clash in an explosive World Cup showdown. Babar holds the key for Pakistan against old foes India in Manchester on Sunday and the batsman has been fine-tuning his game by watching videos of the supremely talented Kohli. Babar showed his class by scoring a brilliant 63 in Pakistan's 348-8 when they beat pre-tournament favourites England earlier in the World Cup. His heroics gave Pakistan their only win so far in the tournament, with defeats against the West Indies and Australia, while their match against Sri Lanka was rained off. In pics: Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history While there is no love lost between India and Pakistan on or off the pitch, Babar is willing to admit he watches Kohli's batting and tries to learn from him. "I watch his batting and the way he bats in various conditions and try to learn from them," Babar told reporters. "I try to learn with experience. This is my process of learning, so I try my hundred per cent. "His (Kohli) winning ratio is higher (for India) so I am trying to achieve that as well." Babar, 24, says Pakistan's Champions Trophy final demolition of India two years ago has increased the team's confidence they can claim another surprise success against India this weekend. "The Champions Trophy win gave us confidence and will also help here as well because the team is mostly the same and that win is always an inspiration," Babar said. Pakistan, trounced by 124 runs in the opening match of the Champions Trophy by India, hit back by crushing their bitter rivals in the final. Their 180-run win at the Oval is the biggest over India in all ODIs. "That win can never go off our memories and it's a big inspiration," he said. The India-Pakistan clash will be watched by a vast global audience and Babar insists the pressure will spur his unpredictable team to produce their best. "We are well prepared for this match because India and Pakistan matches are exciting and demanding and the whole world watches it," Babar said. "The whole team is positive so we are looking forward to the match. Not only me but all the players want to finish on a high, whoever hits form wants to win it." And Babar is confident Pakistan will handle India's potent pace attack, led by world number one ODI bowler Jasprit Bumrah. "No doubt, India have a good bowling attack but we have played well against England who also have a very good pace attack so all of us are confident the Indian pace attack will be properly handled," Babar said.

World Cup: Indian maestro Virat Kohli is a model for Pakistan's Babar Azam

Indian skipper Virat Kohli addressed a press conference ahead of the much-anticipated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-key-players-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-pakistan-clash-227188">India vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup clash</a> which is scheduled to take place on June 16 in Manchester.&nbsp;

"No one game is more special for us than the other. Our responsibility is to treat every game equally, regardless of the opposition. We are a top side in the world because of the cricket that we play," said Virat.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-miandads-on-field-antics-to-tendulkars-brilliance-throwback-to-india-and-pakistans-world-cup-history-227335">Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history</a>

"If we play well, we can beat anyone. Nothing changes according to the opposition. For the players, it is very important to be professional, be it any team you are up against," he further added.&nbsp;

India had never lost to Pakistan in 50-over World Cup history&nbsp;and will look to continue the trend in the ongoing edition.&nbsp;

India had not lost any game in the three matches played so far, the last match against New Zealand was got abandoned due to rain.

While Pakistan has won one match out of four they have played so far. They lost two contests and one was abandoned.&nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli addressed a press conference ahead of the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup clash which is scheduled to take place on June 16 in Manchester.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli addressed a press conference ahead of the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup clash which is scheduled to take place on June 16 in Manchester. "No one game is more special for us than the other. Our responsibility is to treat every game equally, regardless of the opposition. We are a top side in the world because of the cricket that we play," said Virat. In pics: Throwback to India and Pakistan's World Cup history "If we play well, we can beat anyone. Nothing changes according to the opposition. For the players, it is very important to be professional, be it any team you are up against," he further added. India had never lost to Pakistan in 50-over World Cup history and will look to continue the trend in the ongoing edition. India had not lost any game in the three matches played so far, the last match against New Zealand was got abandoned due to rain. While Pakistan has won one match out of four they have played so far. They lost two contests and one was abandoned.

'If we play well, we can beat anyone,' says Virat Kohli ahead of India vs Pakistan clash

Harbhajan Singh has warned India's stars to expect a sleepless night ahead of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-cup-key-players-to-watch-out-for-in-india-vs-pakistan-clash-227188">World Cup showdown with arch-rivals Pakistan</a> on Sunday.

India legend Harbhajan knows from bitter experience just how stressful it is to take part in one of the most fierce rivalries in world sport.

The tense political situation between India and Pakistan lends an extra level of animosity whenever the feuding neighbours clash on the cricket pitch.

Their latest meeting comes with the stakes even higher than usual in the World Cup at Old Trafford this weekend and Harbhajan is well aware just how high emotions will be running on the pitch and in the stands.

The 38-year-old spinner played 17 times against Pakistan in a 236-match ODI career for India, including arguably their biggest ever match in the 2011 World Cup semi-finals on home soil in Chandigarh.

It was such a critical fixture that Harbhajan lay awake for hours tossing and turning in bed the night before the game as he visualised the furious response from the Indian public if they lost.

"The memories of that game was I couldn't sleep the night before, even though I tried my best," Harbhajan said.

"I was just worried about what would happen if we lost the game. There were a lot of thoughts coming into my mind.

"People get angry and they can do anything. In the 2003 World Cup we didn't play one game as well as we should have against Australia and people got really angry.

"They were just burning our stuff and throwing stones at our homes. They get a bit emotional."

'Too happy'

Despite his sleep-deprived preparation, Harbhajan took two wickets as India beat Pakistan by 29 runs, with his side going on to win the World Cup for the second time.

Even with a disastrous defeat averted, the adrenaline of victory kept Harbhajan from sleeping the night after the match as well.

"When we won the game I couldn't sleep the next day either because I was too excited and too happy. That's what the Pakistan game does to you," he said.

"Obviously it's one of those games when the pressure is a little more than when you play against England or New Zealand.

"People in both countries want their respective teams to win and if you end up losing the game the people really get up upset and they go on to lose their minds, which is obviously quite bad."

Although they were crushed by Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, India have never lost to them at a World Cup, winning at the last two tournaments, and are favourites to extend that run when the rivalry resumes in Manchester.

However, Harbhajan acknowledges India's status brings its own burdens, raising expectations among their passionate fanbase of another win over the old enemy.

"As a player you always want to play well against Pakistan, so there is more pressure. It's not just for Indian players but for Pakistani players as well," he said.

"But there is more pressure on the Indian players because we have a very good record in these games and we don't want to change that."

Harbhajan Singh has warned India's stars to expect a sleepless night ahead of their World Cup showdown with arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. India legend Harbhajan knows from bitter experience just how stressful it is to take part in one of the most fierce rivalries in world sport.

Harbhajan Singh has warned India's stars to expect a sleepless night ahead of their World Cup showdown with arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. India legend Harbhajan knows from bitter experience just how stressful it is to take part in one of the most fierce rivalries in world sport. The tense political situation between India and Pakistan lends an extra level of animosity whenever the feuding neighbours clash on the cricket pitch. Their latest meeting comes with the stakes even higher than usual in the World Cup at Old Trafford this weekend and Harbhajan is well aware just how high emotions will be running on the pitch and in the stands. The 38-year-old spinner played 17 times against Pakistan in a 236-match ODI career for India, including arguably their biggest ever match in the 2011 World Cup semi-finals on home soil in Chandigarh. It was such a critical fixture that Harbhajan lay awake for hours tossing and turning in bed the night before the game as he visualised the furious response from the Indian public if they lost. "The memories of that game was I couldn't sleep the night before, even though I tried my best," Harbhajan said. "I was just worried about what would happen if we lost the game. There were a lot of thoughts coming into my mind. "People get angry and they can do anything. In the 2003 World Cup we didn't play one game as well as we should have against Australia and people got really angry. "They were just burning our stuff and throwing stones at our homes. They get a bit emotional." 'Too happy' Despite his sleep-deprived preparation, Harbhajan took two wickets as India beat Pakistan by 29 runs, with his side going on to win the World Cup for the second time. Even with a disastrous defeat averted, the adrenaline of victory kept Harbhajan from sleeping the night after the match as well. "When we won the game I couldn't sleep the next day either because I was too excited and too happy. That's what the Pakistan game does to you," he said. "Obviously it's one of those games when the pressure is a little more than when you play against England or New Zealand. "People in both countries want their respective teams to win and if you end up losing the game the people really get up upset and they go on to lose their minds, which is obviously quite bad." Although they were crushed by Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, India have never lost to them at a World Cup, winning at the last two tournaments, and are favourites to extend that run when the rivalry resumes in Manchester. However, Harbhajan acknowledges India's status brings its own burdens, raising expectations among their passionate fanbase of another win over the old enemy. "As a player you always want to play well against Pakistan, so there is more pressure. It's not just for Indian players but for Pakistani players as well," he said. "But there is more pressure on the Indian players because we have a very good record in these games and we don't want to change that."

Harbhajan Singh warns India stars to expect sleepless night as Pakistan loom