An India-Pakistan game can never be called a friendly and Wasim Akram believes Afridi could well decide the fate of today's warm-up game
An India-Pakistan game can never be called a friendly and Wasim Akram believes Afridi could well decide the fate of today's warm-up game
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram reckons Pakistan will get the better of India when the two face-off in a warm-up game today.
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Even though it is a warm-up game, this is the first time the two teams are playing against each other in the shortest version of the game since the 2007 World Twenty20 final that India won in a nail-biting finish.
An India-Pakistan clash always is of great interest for both countries and today's clash is all the more important considering that the two 2007 finalists are playing against each other.
Akram, who would have proved to be quite a handy T20 player, is on commentary duty in England and said Pakistan is really hungry to play cricket and also to win matches.
Akram added that Pakistan players are hurting after not being able to play the Indian Premier League and that will also be a factor.
"They will want to prove to the world what they are capable of. The team has a real good balance and Younus Khan is doing a good job as captain. Another big factor going for Pakistan is the form of (Shahid) Afridi with bat and ball," Akram added.
The former pace wizard, who is in close contact with the team, feels Afridi will be ideal on English pitches.
Akram's choice for the semi-final berths in this year's World Twenty20 is India, Pakistan, Australia and South Africa.
"Pakistan will really do well in the competition," Akram said about the last edition's finalists.
In the build up to today's match, India did not train but Pakistan did.
India vs Pakistan Live on Star Cricket 22:00
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