Internet Desk: India vs Pakistan tie have always been a mouth watering clash. The two sides will meet for the first time on Saturday since India had defeated their arch rivals in World Cup 2015.
Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth put his money on India to win against Pakistan. “India will definitely start as favorites against Pakistan. Pakistan have a good bowling lineup but still I would say India have a better chance in this format . With the likes of Virat, Rohit, Shikhar, Yuvraj in the batting line up they possess the batting firepower to get the better of Pakistan bowling ,” feels Srikkanth.
So far India and Pakistan have come face to face ten times in the Asia Cup and its 5-5. India has won the Asia Cup five times compared to Pakistan winning it twice. In the last edition in 2014 Pakistan though got the better of India with Shahid Afridi scoring a blistering 34 of 18 balls.
Former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed feels,“ It’s going to be Pakistan bowling line up vs. Indian batting line up. If you look at the stats India is way ahead but it does not matter in this match. Whoever will hold their nerves will take the match away.”
Ex-Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhter who is now in Dhaka doing commentary for the tournament is expecting a humdinger at the Sher e Bangla stadium . He tweeted “It’s going to be a great battle today India and Pakistan … Looking forward to witness a great game of cricket”
This the first time that Asia Cup is being played in a T20 format. India is on a role winning 6 out of their last seven matches. The men in blue recently won the T20 series against Sri Lanka 2-1. They also defeated Australia 3-0.
Mohd Azharuddin said,” On pen and paper India is stronger. i think the Indian batsmen will face a tough challenge from the Pakistan pacers. Mirpur’s wicket helps the pacers.”
Ex-Indian batsman Ashok Malhotra feels that Pakistan batting lineup is not up to the mark. “Pakistan have very good bowling lineup but their batting lineup is not up to the mark. It will be a battle between the Indian batsman vs. Pakistan bowlers.
India and Pakistan cricket matches have always been eventful. The match will also serve as a sort of practice before the World T20. India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other on 19th March at the Dharamsala Stadium during the forthcoming ICC World T20.
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly thinks that Pakistan team in nineties was far more strong. ” Pakistan team in the Nineties was more strong than the current team. India is now stronger than Pakistan. Due to the strong batting line up India has the slight advantage.” said the ex-Indian cricketer.
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar sounds very confident about Dhoni and his men. “India is capable to handle Pakistan Pacers. Both Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have been in good form. Pakistan pacers have to be at their best to restrict them from scoring.”
Ex- Pakistan captain Wasim Akarm also see India as the favorites ,” The way India are playing recently, they are the clear favourites.”
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said,” For the last couple of years India have been got the better of us. The tradition is still the same.”
India start as overwhelming favorites for the match, but as history goes one stellar performance or an individual brilliance can make all predictions wrong . So,time to wait for a few hours to get the answer.