"The stats are so painful" - Kamran Akmal accepts India are favorites ahead of T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal believes there's no doubt that India will start as favorites against Pakistan in their T20 World Cup clash in New York on Sunday, June 9. The former cricketer shed light on Pakistan's dismal record against the Men in Blue in World Cups.
Both teams have faced each other seven times in the history of T20 World Cups, with Pakistan winning just once when they beat India by 10 wickets in the 2021 edition in Dubai. Akmal feels Babar Azam and company have to play incredibly well to repeat that feat.
Speaking to timesofindia.com, Kamran Akmal said about the high-voltage encounter:
"There is no doubt that India has been a dominating team in ICC events against Pakistan. Pakistan has only won once in 2021. The stats are so painful. Pakistan may repeat what they did in 2021. Pakistan needs to work really hard for that. India has an edge over Pakistan. On paper, India is stronger than Pakistan."
Kamran Akmal applauded Indian selectors for making tough calls of leaving quality players like KL Rahul and Shubman Gill out of their 15-man squad and backing those players who were in form. He feels that is one of the reasons why the Men in Blue start as favorites.
Kamran Akmal on Mohammad Amir vs Virat Kohli
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir and India's star batter Virat Kohli have had some fascinating encounters in the past in the white-ball formats.
While Amir has tasted some success against Kohli, Akmal feels the left-arm pacer is not the same bowler he was all those years back.
"Amir has always given a tough time to Virat Kohli. However, the current form and confidence level of Virat are too high. Amir is a skilled and experienced fast bowler, but he has made a comeback after a long period of time. If he had been playing continuously, the battle between Amir and Virat would have been amazing. Virat will have an edge over Amir this time," Akmal stated.
Amir has dismissed Kohli twice in ODIs, conceding just 16 runs off the 19 balls he has bowled to the star batter in T20Is.