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As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is undoubtedly one of the most awaited fixtures. Former cricketing great and StarCast expert for ‘Mission World Cup,’ Waqar Younis, recently shared his perspective on the challenges and prospects facing Pakistan in this high-stakes encounter.
Will the Indian conditions be difficult for bowlers?
One of the key points emphasized by Waqar Younis is the evolving landscape of One Day International (ODI) cricket. He noted that the era he played in didn’t witness the routine occurrence of scores exceeding 400 runs, a trend that has become increasingly common in contemporary ODI matches. These high-scoring games, while thrilling for fans, pose significant challenges for bowlers, particularly in a tournament held in India, known for its batting-friendly pitches.
“The bowlers will have a lot of trouble playing on this kind of pitches,” Waqar Younis commented. He added that early wickets in the first 2-4 overs would be crucial for bowlers to contain the opposition, as established batsmen could make it extremely difficult to defend against big scores.
Is Pakistan a weaker team compared to India?
Discussing the Indian squad, Younis expressed admiration for their well-rounded team. He pointed out that India’s depth in spin bowling, featuring players like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, was a significant advantage. Moreover, he highlighted India’s strong bench strength, which could provide capable replacements in case of injuries. “No other team can match India in terms of ticking all the boxes,” he remarked.
Turning his attention to Pakistan, Waqar Younis acknowledged that the team had been inconsistent in recent times. He identified the absence of Naseem Shah as a significant disadvantage. Naseem Shah, known for his ability to strike with the new ball, used to complement Shaheen Afridi effectively. Waqar emphasized the importance of early wickets with the new ball in Pakistan’s strategy, which had historically been a key factor in their success.
While Hasan Ali has been named as Naseem Shah’s replacement, Waqar Younis cautioned that performing on the grand stage of the World Cup would not be easy for him. The pressure of playing in Ahmedabad, one of the world’s finest stadiums, in front of a passionate crowd, would be a daunting challenge for both Pakistan and India.
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