Zaheer Abbas knows a thing or two about India v Pakistan cricket battles and he’s wise enough not to predict the outcome of Sunday’s T20 World Cup encounter here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The former Pakistan captain, back in his London flat from hospital after suffering a heart attack and conquering COVID, reckoned India are big on overall talent, but his team have excellent bowlers who can upset the 2007 champions’ start to the tournament.
“Pakistan are an improved team. As a cricket lover, I want to enjoy this high-profile game. The Westerners believe an Ashes series creates unmatched excitement, but nothing to match an India v Pakistan clash in my book,” said Zaheer.
“India are strong in the batting department while Pakistan are formidable on the bowling front, so it’s a fight between Pakistan bowlers versus India batters.”
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The Asian Bradman wants to see new stars emerge through this clash just like pacer Naseem Shah did in the recent T20 Asia Cup, where Pakistan beat India once. “Who knows, another star will come up. Pakistan have concentrated on their fielding which is a very positive sign. India have more talent, but we have to wait and watch to see which team can handle pressure better. The MCG is a huge ground and no cricketer should get overawed with the vastness of the stadium,” said Zaheer, 75.
The one India v Pakistan final in the 1980s which Zaheer did not feature was the World Championship of Cricket clash at the MCG, where India triumphed. Zaheer was ill, but remembered the atmosphere before the game: “Some in Australia labelled the final as a match between bus drivers and conductors. A day before the final, their media asked me about the possible result. I told them not to bother as it was between us—India and Pakistan. ‘You better mind your own game and analyse why you could not qualify for the final’ I told them.”
