'I honestly believe that Pakistan can beat India in T20 WC' - Waqar Younis

Cricket fans in India and Pakistan have been deprived of some quality cricket between the two arch-rivals. The two teams don’t play bilateral series and an ICC tournament is the only event for the fans to witness riveting action between the two teams. The neighbours are to set to lock horns in T20 World Cup 2021, on October 24 at the Dubai International Stadium.

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India have a brilliant record against Pakistan in World Cups, having won all their games and they are certainly looking good to carry on their dominance. However, former Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis feels Pakistan have enough quality to pull one back in the upcoming event.

"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.

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Pakistan’s strength has always been their bowlers. With players like Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, the bowling certainly looks a formidable unit. Waqar, who has worked with the group as bowling coach, said the bowlers are good enough to lead Pakistan to wins in World Cup.

“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.