IND vs PAK: Mohammad Kaif disrespects Babar Azam, calls Pakistan's batting unit 'weak' ahead of blockbuster T20 World Cup clash

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif talked about the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup 2024. He said that the Rohit Sharma-led side will not be worried about the clash because Pakistan’s batting is weak and the only thing they need to be worried about is their bowling attack. 

India and Pakistan will be up against each other in the T20 World Cup 2024. The two arch-rivals will be playing against each other at the Nassau County Cricket International Stadium in New York on Sunday (9th June). 

Going into the game, Pakistan will be under pressure because of late their performances haven’t been good. They lost the game against Ireland and also went on to lose the series against England and will be entering the tournament on the back of some poor losses. 

Ahead of the against India, Pakistan will be locking horns with the United States of America (USA) on 6th June, which will also be their first game of the tournament. Therefore they will be having some good game time ahead of the mega clash and would want to head into the game with a win under the belt. 

Mohammad Kaif while talking about Pakistan’s lineup, claimed that apart from Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed they don’t have players who can play attacking cricket. But stressed the fact that they have a good bowling lineup. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained: 

"Everyone knows Pakistan's batting is weak. Fakhar Zaman plays a little fast. If he fires, he can probably win the match alone. Iftikhar Ahmad plays fast but other than that, everyone plays at a strike rate of 120 to 125.

"They will have Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. Naseem Shah didn't come to play in the World Cup in India. He was injured, but he is fit here. This will be a bouncy pitch. Naseem Shah is a very good bowler.”

I believe it's an even contest - Mohammad Kaif on India vs Pakistan 

Mohammad Kaif further stressed the fact that Pakistan shouldn’t be taken lightly because they lost the last few games. He highlighted how the Babar Azam-led side are known for making comebacks. 

The former India cricketer also stated that India has a balanced team for the New York pitch but considering, Pakistan’s history after losing games, the game between the two arch-rivals will be an event contest. He added: 

"It doesn't matter what form Pakistan comes with. They are coming after losing in England but we know Pakistan's history. They are coming after losing but can suddenly do anything. They played the final last time.

"The reason for that is the New York Stadium is open, so their pacers will get swing, and since the Adelaide curator has made the pitch, it will be hard and bouncy. On this pitch, although India are a very strong and balanced team, they have spinners and fast bowlers, Bumrah is there and Kuldeep will play, and players are in form, Virat Kohli has form, I believe it's an even contest,” he concluded.