“India’s bowling lineup has always been weak,” said Ajmal. “Of late, Siraj has bowled well. Shami has been bowling well. Among spinners, I think Ravindra Jadeja will be crucial in World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah could have been a threat to Pakistan, but he has been unfit for quite some time. I don’t think India’s bowling will be much of a threat for Pakistan,” Saeed Ajmal said while talking on the Nadir Ali Podcast.

Saeed Ajmal acknowledged the strength of Team India’s batting but also sang praise of Pakistan’s “dangerous bowling.” He opined that Pakistan has a 60% chance of winning the ICC World Cup 2023.

“India’s batting has always been strong. Our bowling is dangerous. It will be a battle of equals. Right now, I would say Pakistan has a 60% chance of winning. (Are Pakistan favorites?) Yes. In Indian conditions, considering the bowlers Pakistan has, if Pakistan keeps them down to a low score, Pakistan will win,” he added.

The confidence seems to be against the numbers as Pakistan has been unable to secure any victory against India in the history of the ICC World Cup. Although, the Pakistani team has managed some big wins like during the T20 World Cup 2021, Team India just had a wonderful comeback in 2022.

Quality of India vs Pakistan matches deteriorated: Sourav Ganguly

Former Team India skipper Sourav Ganguly had a different take on India vs Pakistan faceoff as he asserted that the quality of matches between India and Pakistan has deteriorated in the past few years as Team India managed to win one-sidedly.

“There is a lot of hype in this match but the quality has not been that good for a long time because India kept on winning one-sided. Pakistan probably defeated India for the first time in the T20 World Cup in Dubai,” Ganguly told Star Sports.

Updated: 03 Jul 2023, 04:26 PM IST