It's do-or-die situation, one loss will put us out of World T20: MS Dhoni

Nagpur, March 16: A shock defeat in the ICC World Twenty20 opener has put tremendous pressure on favourites India. And captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is aware of it. He is confident of bouncing back in the remaining 3 "do-or-die" clashes.

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Last night (March 15), India were handed a 47-run thrashing by dark horses of the tournament New Zealand. It was a turning track in Nagpur and the Kiwi spinners made the most of the conditions to stun the hosts. (Dhoni sets world record)

After India had restricted the Kane Williamson-led team to 126/7, the famed batting line-up was expected to win but crumbled against the spinning ball. India were bowled out for a paltry 79. (WT20 schedule)

Speaking to reporters after the loss, Dhoni admitted that it was a must-win situation in the remaining 3 matches, against Pakistan, Bangladesh and Australia.

"Never played a match where there is no pressure. Once you lose the first game, you are in a do-or-die situation. You can't afford to lose anymore. Even if you lose one you will be out of the tournament," Dhoni said when asked about the pressure going into the next match against arch rivals Pakistan on March 19 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.

"Hopefully it will bring the best out of us. We have done it before. Pressure is part and parcel of Indian cricket," he added.

After the game against Pakistan, India travel to Bengaluru to face Bangladesh on March 23 (Wednesday). They will wrap up the Super 10 stage with a clash against Australia in Mohali on March 27 (Sunday). Top 2 teams from Group 2 will qualify for the semi-finals.

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