Ahmedabad: In 1992, India-Pakistan teams met for the first time in the World Cup. In the 7 World Cup matches played so far, the Indian team has bowled the Pakistan team. But former Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram is confident that the Babar Azam-led side will defeat the Indian team in Ahmedabad this time. The India-Pakistan match will take place on Saturday.
As Pakistan chased down Sri Lanka’s target of 345 runs yesterday, there is joy and celebration in the Pakistan team camp. Amidst the success, Pakistan has a lot to worry about. Especially bad fielding. We saw what happened when Mitchell Marsh dropped a catch to Virat Kohli that day. Similarly, we saw Imam-ul-Haq take a catch to Gusal Mendis yesterday. With this being the case, Pakistan must first correct the weaknesses that have been exposed before the tournament.
The bowling of the Indian team will definitely not be like the one bowled by Young Patirana or others in Sri Lanka yesterday. In fielding Indian team is not the best team but really good fielding team compared to Pakistan. And Pakistan captain Babar Azam is panicking like he is standing on a battlefield. His batting was nothing to speak of. Maybe against India if he comes to form it will be difficult for India. If anyone is the most dangerous player against India, it is Rizwan. Rizwan is actually a Pakistani team fighter.
When he chases the target, he swings and chases it effortlessly like Dhoni, without worrying and smiling cheerfully. No pressure. Rizwan is another cool wicket keeper/batter.
To contrast the conditions, former player Wasim Akram has said that Pakistan is capable of beating India in Ahmedabad. ”Both teams have played against each other in 7 World Cups. But the neighboring country (India) has often told and reminded us (Pakistan) that it is 7-0. But I could not single out a single reason for such a long failure,” said Wasim Akram.
Wasim Akram: “Losing in Bangalore in 1996 was hell. No one could digest that defeat. When we returned to Pakistan after that match, we came under tight security. See if we can’t go home for a few days. The chain of failure will be broken. The Pakistan team has the ability to do that. We did that in the T20 World Cup. Now there is nothing that can’t be done in 50 overs,” said Wasim Akram.
Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq says, “The Indian team could have handled the pressure situations better than us in all these 7 matches. Then the Indian team winning the toss is a positive aspect.” said.
Speaking about losing the 2011 World Cup semi-final, then-captain Shahid Afridi said, “Honestly, I don’t know why we lost. We played well until the semi-finals. But, we went to Soda in Mohali,” he said.
