The stage is set for the 13th chapter of one of the fiercest rivalries in T20I cricket: India vs Pakistan. This time, the high-stakes showdown will unfold in New York, promising another thrilling encounter in this storied rivalry. As the two cricketing giants prepare for the IND vs PAK in the T20 World Cup in USA, Pakistani legends Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram have shared their insights on which team they believe will emerge victorious.
Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram share IND vs PAK predictions
Despite Pakistan’s recent struggles, Waqar remains optimistic about Babar Azam’s men, while Akram believes that Rohit Sharma’s squad has a better shot at winning.
Both teams have had contrasting starts in the tournament. India dominated their opener against Ireland, showcasing their form and determination. Meanwhile, Pakistan faced an unexpected setback, losing to co-hosts USA in a stunning upset.
Waqar Younis, speaking on Star Sports, expressed his hopes for Pakistan but acknowledged the challenges posed by the New York pitch. “My heart says Pakistan but from what I’ve seen so far in this tournament, the pitch in New York is very much for the faster bowlers. So, it evens it out a little bit just purely because of the surface in New York,” Waqar stated.
On the other hand, Wasim Akram offered a more analytical perspective, giving India a 60% chance of victory but warning that T20 cricket can change rapidly with one good innings or a stellar bowling spell. “If we look at India’s form, India generally is a better team. Better team in a way that they’re favourites heading into that game. I will give 60% to India and 40% to Pakistan. But, it’s T20I, one good innings, one good spell, the game can change quickly. I think everybody is looking forward to the game of the tournament,” Akram explained.
Is it going to be 6-2 or 7-1 after IND vs PAK?
Historically, India has often been favoured in these encounters, and the current form suggests they are peaking at the right time. Pakistan’s strategy of playing more matches before the World Cup has not paid off, as they entered the tournament on the back of a 2-0 series loss to England, which has affected their confidence and momentum, leading to their shocking Super Over loss to the USA.
In the T20 World Cup history, out of seven matches, Pakistan has only managed to defeat India once. That lone victory came in 2021, thanks to a spectacular opening partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. As the excitement builds, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting what is anticipated to be the game of the tournament, hoping for another unforgettable chapter in the India-Pakistan rivalry.
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