Former pacer Waqar Younis believes Babar Azam-led Pakistan can beat arch-rivals India in their opening encounter of the T20 World Cup if they play to their potential.
The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash will get underway on October 24 in Dubai. Both India and their arch-rivals Pakistan have been drawn in Group 2 of the T20 World Cup Super 12 stage which also features Afghanistan and New Zealand as the other two automatic qualifiers.
“I honestly believe that Pakistan can beat India in their opening encounter if they play to their potential. It won’t be easy but we certainly have the personnel who can come good,” Waqar said while speaking to CricWick.
“It’s a big game and pressure will be on both teams as it will be their first match of the tournament. But the first few deliveries and runs will be crucial but if we are able to negotiate it well we can win the game,” he further said.
Waqar further lauded Hasan Ali for being the best of the lot and backed him to lead Pakistan’s bowling attack in the T20 World Cup.
“Bowling has always been our stronger suit and we have seen in the past that we have the capability of defending scores. We did that in Champions Trophy 2017, we have done that prior to that as well so I see no reason why this bunch can’t emulate those performances.
“I think that Hasan understands bowling better than any other bowler in the current lot and will be our leader in terms of bowling. He certainly has the skill and character to do big things on the biggest stage,” Waqar further added.
