Cricket legend Wasim Akram believes Pakistan can rise to the occasion against defending champions India when the two rivals collide in the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday. The contest, their first meeting since May’s military conflict, has already gripped fans worldwide. India enter as clear favourites, having won 18 of 21 T20 internationals since lifting last year’s World Cup. They made a statement in their opener against the UAE, cruising to a nine-wicket win. Pakistan, however, carry momentum from their recent tri-series victory over Afghanistan and UAE. “I think it will be a competitive match,” Wasim told Telecom Asia Sport. “Yes, India are a good and strong team and if you compare these two teams player-wise India look strong, but I think Pakistan will have the confidence of winning the tri-series and will give a good competition.” The former captain welcomed Pakistan’s transition under Salman Agha and Mike Hesson but warned patience is vital. “Pakistan is a young side with a good captain and a good head coach, so they need time to settle into a stronger unit. We, as a nation, need quick results which will not come,” he said. He flagged concerns over Mohammad Haris’ role in the batting order. “For me they have a few problems, like Mohammad Haris is not in the best of form but he is not playing at his usual number as opener,” Wasim noted, adding, “It’s tough on Haris… it’s next to impossible for an opener to bat in the middle order.” Bowling depth, too, remains a worry as per the 59-year-old. “You cannot have two part-time bowlers as a fifth bowling option. If you have two part-timers then the team will attack them,” Wasim warned. While highlighting Pakistan’s challenges, Akram did not hold back in his praise for India’s depth. “Kuldeep and Varun are both good. It’s tough to read them. Kuldeep was very accurate and lethal the other day,” he said, crediting India’s system and infrastructure for sustained excellence.
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On Jasprit Bumrah too, Akram heaped praise, highlighting how difficult it is for a pacer like him in the modern game. “Bumrah is top of the ladder and is being managed well by India. So credit to bowlers of this era because due to T20 cricket there is more pressure on them.”
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