Former Pakistani fast bowler Waqar Younis has identified four key players who he believes can help Pakistan secure a victory against India in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, starting on October 5. The highly anticipated match between Pakistan and India is scheduled for October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, which can accommodate up to 132,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium in the world.
Waqar believes that Babar Azam, Imam ul Haq, Fakhar Zaman, and Shaheen Afridi will play crucial roles for Pakistan in their quest to make history and defeat India in a 50-overs World Cup match for the first time.
In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Waqar expressed confidence in Pakistan’s match-winners and individuals who have the potential to win matches single-handedly. He specifically mentioned Babar Azam’s capabilities, Shaheen Afridi’s bowling prowess, and Fakhar Zaman’s ability to perform wonders with the bat. He also praised Imam ul Haq for his impressive innings in recent matches.
Waqar noted that the Pakistan team has shown significant improvement in handling pressure in recent times. He emphasized the importance of executing skills and game plans efficiently, stating that if the team maintains its composure and follows the right processes, the venue of the match, whether in India or Pakistan, should not be an issue.
It is worth mentioning that Pakistan’s record against India in World Cup matches has been unfavorable, as they have lost all seven previous encounters, including an infamous semi-final defeat in the 2011 World Cup in Mohali. However, Pakistan did achieve a significant victory against India in the T20 World Cup 2021, winning by 10 wickets for the first time in a World Cup match. With the talent and potential of the key players identified by Waqar Younis, Pakistan aims to turn the tables and secure a historic victory in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against India.