I honestly believe Pakistan can beat India in T20 World Cup: Waqar Younis

India and Pakistan no more face each other in the bilateral series. For the same reason, the fans from both countries eagerly wait for the ICC events to see them lock horns against each other. The upcoming T20 World Cup will see the marquee game happen on October 24 in Dubai. And former Pakistan cricketer Waqar Younis is backing Babar Azam and his men to beat India for the first time in the mega event.

Pakistan, like the 50-over World Cup, is yet to register a win over their arch-rivals in the T20 World Cup as well. It all started with the 2007 event where the first tussle in the format between the two teams ended in a tie but India emerged victorious in a bowl-out. Later in the final the two sides met where India sensationally won by just five runs to lift the trophy. Since then it has been only one-way traffic with Pakistan losing to the Men in Blue.

However, Waqar Younis thinks if Pakistan play to their ability, they can certainly pull one back on India. ” I honestly believe that Pakistan can beat India in their opening encounter if they play to their potential. It won’t be easy but we certainly have the personnel who can come good,” he said while speaking to CricWick.

“It’s a big game and pressure will be on both teams as it will be their first match of the tournament. But the first few deliveries and runs will be crucial but if we are able to negotiate it well we can win the game,” he further said.

Waqar backs Hasan Ali to lead the bowling attack

Waqar Younis, not long ago, was the bowling coach of Pakistan but on the day of the T20 WC squad announcement, he resigned from the position along with head coach Misbah-ul-Haq. Having coached the current lot of the bowlers, the 49-year-old reckons this bowling attack can defend scores well. He also lauded Hasan Ali for being the best of the lot and also backed him to lead the attack.

“Bowling has always been our stronger suit and we have seen in the past that we have the capability of defending scores. We did that in Champions Trophy 2017, we have done that prior to that as well so I see no reason why this bunch can’t emulate those performances.

” I think that Hasan understands bowling better than any other bolwer in the current lot and will be our leader in terms of bowling. He certainly has the skill and character to do big things on the biggest stage,” Waqar Younis further added.