Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign got off to a disappointing start with a loss to the USA in a Super Over, setting the stage for their encounter against India on a challenging pitch at the Nassau County stadium.
India, on the other hand, began their ICC campaign with a convincing win over Ireland.
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While India have been acclimatising to conditions in New York and have already played two matches, including a warm-up game against Bangladesh, Pakistan will be taking to the field in New York for the first time in this tournament.
In their head-to-head encounters in T20 internationals, India and Pakistan have met 12 times, with India emerging victorious in 8 matches and Pakistan winning 3 times. One match ended in a tie, with India prevailing via a bowl-out.
TimesofIndia.com caught up with Akmal, who represented Pakistan in 53 Tests, 157 ODIs, and 58 T20Is between 2002 and 2017. In the exclusive interview, he discussed various aspects of the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash, including the pressure on Rohit Sharma, Pakistan’s recent form, the battle between Virat Kohli and Mohammad Amir, and much more.
Which team holds the advantage – India or Pakistan?
There is no doubt that India has been a dominating team in ICC events against Pakistan. Pakistan has only won once in 2021. The stats are so painful. Pakistan may repeat what they did in 2021. Pakistan needs to work really hard for that. Virat Kohli is the main batsman for India, and he can change the course of the game at any point in time. He can reshape a game against Pakistan.
When Virat plays, it doesn’t seem like a human is playing. It seems like a Khalaai Makhlooq (Creature) is playing. He is a player of immense stature, and no one can trouble him. Any bowler in the world thinks twice before bowling at him. He has scored a lot of runs against Pakistan. India has an edge over Pakistan. On paper, India is stronger than Pakistan. Pakistan’s standards have drastically declined, and to improve them, we have to win against big teams like India.
Who are the pivotal players in the India vs Pakistan showdown?
Virat Kohli is on top. Second is Suryakumar Yadav. His performance against Pakistan is yet to come, but I will still pick him. Rohit Sharma has already proved himself and has scored runs against Pakistan in ICC events, and now it is Suryakumar Yadav‘s turn. If he is No. 1, then he should come and score against Pakistan. He hasn’t scored big runs against Pakistan whenever he has come to bat. However, he has scored a lot of runs against other teams. He is a classy player and a 360-degree player. It is a treat to watch him bat. He has cemented his place in a very short period of time.
In bowling, there is no match for Bumrah. Be it T20s, ODIs, or Tests, he will come and relish the format and conditions. If he is sleeping and you wake him up to bowl, he can still take wickets. Such a classy player he is. I am really happy to see Yuzvendra Chahal back. More than Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav can put Pakistan under pressure and create a lot of trouble for them. Pakistan needs to beware of Kuldeep. They should hope he doesn’t play.
Will Rohit Sharma replicate MS Dhoni’s 2007 heroics this time?
Considering India’s form and the form of players in every format of the game, India are favourites. The selectors have chosen a strong team this time. It was a tough decision to drop KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, but the selectors picked others ahead of them. I support this decision.
The Indian selectors preferred form over statistics. I also give credit to Rohit for this. He has built this team. India looks very strong. If India don’t win the World Cup this time, then it will be very difficult for them in the future. They have talent, experience, and form. They have a big chance. With Virat, Surya, Rohit, Dube, Pant, and Pandya, India has every star in the team. I am sure Rohit is having a severe headache trying to pick 11 from this team.
Given Pakistan’s shaky form in the tournament, how challenging will it be for them to overcome India?
There are a lot of challenges for Babar. He is an outstanding batter and has always led from the front, but he has failed to produce results as a leader. His confidence is high. His opening partner Rizwan is in top form. You just can’t predict the Pakistan team. They are at their best on any given day. Either they will thrash you or get thrashed. Pakistan is not in form.
Let’s be honest. It will be challenging for Pakistan against India. As a Pakistani, I am just praying that Pakistan can repeat their 2009 success. But let’s stay in reality.
What are your thoughts on a potential showdown between Mohammad Amir and Virat Kohli?
Amir has always given a tough time to Virat Kohli. However, the current form and confidence level of Virat are too high. He has played many innings against Pakistan.
The six that Virat hit off Haris Rauf is still fresh in every Pakistani’s memory. Amir is a skilled and experienced fast bowler, but he has made a comeback after a long period of time. That gap might affect him this time. If he had been playing continuously, the battle between Amir and Virat would have been amazing. Virat will have an edge over Amir this time.
Considering Rishabh Pant as the preferred wicketkeeper, should Sanju Samson also be given an opportunity?
Both are in tremendous form, and both are stars. However, India will go for Pant because he has played a lot of cricket for India and has won matches for the team as well. He can turn the match around in any situation. Being a left-hander and a solid middle-order batter, he can put pressure on bowlers. India will stick with Pant in the tournament.