The battle between India and Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup would excite the whole cricketing world. This historic match is set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 24, 2021, Former England cricketer, Monty Panesar has said that Pakistan is an unpredictable team prior to this high-profile match. Despite the fact that Pakistan can defeat any cricket team in the globe on any given day, Panesar believes India would have an advantage over Pakistan due to their overall record versus the arch-rivals.
“You just can’t predict Pakistan. Only Pakistan can beat Pakistan. On their day, they can beat any team in the world. Pakistan are really motivated this time and wouldn’t spare any team. But India will have an upper hand, considering their overall records against Pakistan. Pakistan will be under pressure, not India,” said Monty Panesar.
If India bowlers get rid of Babar Azam early, they can destroy Pakistan: Monty Panesar
Monty Panesar also stated that Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi will be key for the Pakistan team. The 39-year-old further claimed that Afridi is a fantastic fast bowler who would be looking to take out many Indian batters. Panesar also believes that KL Rahul and Indian captain Virat Kohli would have had some experience against left-arm quick bowling.
Monty Panesar ended by saying that if the Indian bowlers can get rid of Babar Azam early in the game, the Pakistan batting order would collapse.
“For Pakistan, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi (are the key). Shaheen is a wonderful left-arm seamer and he will eye more and more Indian wickets. I am sure Virat and KL Rahul have enough practice against the left-arm seamers. If India bowlers get rid of Babar Azam early, they can destroy Pakistan like a pack of cards,” concluded Panesar.
Monty Panesar represented England in 50 Tests, 26 One-Day Internationals, and one Twenty20 International. In 2013, he played his final international game for the England team.
