No extra pressure of playing against India in semis: Hafeez

Their disastrous past record against India in World Cup notwithstanding, Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez says the team is under no pressure ahead of Wednesday's high-voltage semifinal clash against the arch-rivals.

Of the previous four meetings against India in the quadrennial extravaganza, Pakistan have lost on all occasions, but Hafeez is optimistic of a turnaround this time around.

According to him, it's the performance on the given day that counts.

"I don't think that on me or my team there is any extra pressure in playing against India. For the past 6-7 months, we have been following a simple strategy which is to put our best performance on the (match) day and don't think about the past," Hafeez said.

"We just think about that particular day, and try and win that particular match. So I don't think we will be under any extra pressure."

Hafeez said bowling was the team's strength and he is expecting the bowlers to deliver the goods against India.

"Bowling is our major strength and we are heavily relying on our bowlers. At the same time, our batsmen complement our attack. I feel that it is not necessarily about big scores, but what it important is that our batsmen have the ability to get the required runs," he said.

Reminded about the team's past World Cup record against India, Hafeez said, "The past is history. Even Australia had not been defeated by anyone for several years in the World Cup before they lost to us and India. As I said, what has happened in the past, we are not thinking about that, but looking to perform on the given day."

The all-rounder, who triggered West Indies' collapse in the quarterfinal with two wickets in his first spell and then scored an unbeaten half-century , said the support and unity among teammates have been crucial to the their success in the ongoing tournament.

"We support each other and enjoy our cricket. I think unity and support for each other have been key to our success in the tournament," he said.