Wasim Akram predicts Pakistan could upset India in Dubai clash

DUBAI: Cricket legend Wasim Akram has hinted that the Men in Green could face a formidable challenge against defending champions India in Sunday’s Asia Cup clash, their first meeting since the two nuclear-armed nations clashed in an unprecedented manner.

The high-voltage encounter has already captured the imagination of fans around the world. The Indian team, unbeaten in 18 of their last 21 T20Is and having been eliminated by the UAE by nine wickets, are the clear favourites. But Pakistan, riding on the wave of their recent tri-series victories against Afghanistan and the UAE, could spring a surprise.

Wasim said Sunday’s match would be competitive. India are strong but Pakistan have pace and confidence. He also stressed that patience is key for the young team led by captain Salman Agha and coach Mike Hesson.

Akram expressed concern about Mohammad Haris’ unusual batting position and Pakistan’s bowling depth, but had special praise for India’s lethal bowlers Kuldeep, Varun and Jasprit Bumrah, calling them “difficult to beat in any situation”.

With tensions high and the stakes even higher, fans are bracing for a thrilling encounter that could go down to the wire.

Pakistan vs India Asia Cup Squads

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Salman Agha (captain), Hassan Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Muqeem.

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.