IND vs PAK: "Pakistan's standards have drastically declined" - Kamran Akmal alleges Babar Azam

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal acknowledged that India is a favorite in the upcoming clash against the Babar Azam-led team in the T20 World Cup 2024. Kamran Akmal stated that the Pakistan team needs to work hard to improve their performance and defeat the top teams like India.

The Babar Azam-led team will face the Rohit Sharma-led team in a do-or-die encounter at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday, June 9. Pakistan was stunned by the United States of America (USA) in their first game. They lost the match in a Super Over against co-hosts.

The Indian team, on the other hand, heads into the match with a comfortable victory against Ireland at the same venue in New York. The Indian cricketers are accustomed to the pitch conditions at the venue. They will be hoping to continue their winning streak and boost their chances to reach the Super 8s.

India Has Been A Dominating Team - Kamran Akmal

Kamran Akmal, speaking to timesofindia.com, highlighted India's dominance over Pakistan in ICC events. Akmal emphasized the importance of defeating top teams like India to improve Pakistan's cricketing standards.

"There is no doubt that India has been a dominating team in ICC events against Pakistan. Pakistan has only won once in 2021. The stats are so painful. Pakistan may repeat what they did in 2021. Pakistan needs to work really hard for that. India has an edge over Pakistan. On paper, India is stronger than Pakistan. Pakistan's standards have drastically declined, and to improve them, we have to win against big teams like India," Akmal said. 

The Men in Green have played seven matches against the Indian team in the T20 World Cups since 2007. The Pakistan team lost six matches to the Indian team in World Cup history. The 2009 champions secured their first T20 World Cup victory against India during the 2021 edition in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Mohammad Amir Has Always Give A Tough Time - Kamran Akmal

Mohammad Amir and Virat Kohli have had intriguing encounters in white-ball cricket. Kamran Akmal stated that Virat Kohli's current form and confidence give him an advantage. The 42-year-old added that Amir has made a comeback after a long period.

"Amir has always given a tough time to Virat Kohli. However, the current form and confidence level of Virat are too high. Amir is a skilled and experienced fast bowler, but he has made a comeback after a long period of time. If he had been playing continuously, the battle between Amir and Virat would have been amazing. Virat will have an edge over Amir this time," Akmal added.

Mohammad Amir came out of his international retirement earlier this year to be part of the World Cup squad. Since his comeback, the left-arm pacer picked up six wickets in 9 matches at an average of 41.33 and an economy rate of 8.75. Overall, he has taken 65 wickets in 58 matches at an economy rate of 7.26.

Amir has found success against Kohli in ODIs, dismissing him twice. However, the 32-year-old has conceded just 16 runs off the 19 balls he has bowled to the star batter in T20Is without dismissing him.

Also read: IND vs PAK: Not Rohit Sharma!! Kamran Akmal labels this Indian batsman the 2nd most dangerous after Virat Kohli