If Pak win toss & bat 1st, they'll literally hammer India: Akhtar

The stage is all set for the high-octane clash between India and Pakistan. With this, a plethora of cricket experts and fans alike have shared their views on what to expect and which team will have an edge over the other arch-rival. In the same vein, the former Pakistan pacer, Shoaib Akhtar, chimed in to share his views on the all-important toss and the possibilities when both the great teams take the field for an electrifying game.

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Notably, India will take on Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023, on Saturday, September 2, at Pallekele in Sri Lanka. Akhtar believes that if Pakistan happen to bat first, they will most likely come out all guns blazing with an aggressive approach and will launch the Indian bowlers all over the park. Interestingly enough, the pacer also mentioned that should India get to bat first, the Men in Blue will have an upper hand in the contest.

'If Pakistan win the toss and bat first, they will literally hammer India. However, if India win the toss, Pakistan could be in trouble because the wickets haven't settled yet and the ball isn't coming on nicely under the lights," Akhtar stated on his YouTube channel.

There's debate surrounding Babar Azam's captaincy, he will be better with his calculations: Akhtar

Furthermore, the 'Rawalpindi Express' also shared his opinion on the probable bowling lineup India should field against Pakistan. The former pacer believes that the Men in Blue should play at least three pacers. Moreover, Shoaib Akhtar urged the India skipper to show faith in the left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who could prove to be a trump card for Team India against the arch-rivals.

Besides, the 48-year-old also discussed the criticism of Babar Azam regarding his questionable captaincy in the past as some fans and experts believe that the skipper often crumbles under pressure situations. However, Shoaib Akhtar has other views on Azam. The former gun pacer is of the opinion that Pakistan have played on some occasions not long ago and so the Men in Green will not be under pressure despite the outside noise.

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'There is an ongoing debate surrounding Babar Azam's captaincy. It was after he gave his spinner the last over on a few occasions. However, I am sure he would have learned and will be better with his calculations. Babar Azam and his team are very mature. They have faced India multiple times now in high-pressure matches. I don't think there will be a lot of pressure on them," Akhtar concluded.