The mother of all matches, according to former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis, is India vs. Pakistan. For the first occasion since the World Cup in 2016, Pakistan has landed in India. It would be difficult for the Babar Azam team to adapt to Indian circumstances because they had never competed in India.
Prior to the World Cup, Waqar claimed in an interview with Star Sports that the current Pakistan team is somewhat hit-and-miss, particularly without the presence of fast bowler Naseem Shah, who sustained an injury while competing in the Asia Cup 2023.
He said, “Now if I talk about Pakistan, they are miss and hit this time. The absence of Naseem Shah will be a big disadvantage because Naseem and Shaheen used to complement each other with new ball.”
The fast bowler said without Naseem Shah, Pakistan could struggle. The new ball menace makes Pakistan a dangerous side throughout the world. He said, “The new ball is always crucial for us not only for this World Cup but also if you can see overall matches, it has been always a very important factor for us over the years and in the past World Cups also. When we used to strike and take wickets with the new ball, then we used to get some momentum to stay in a better position in the game. So, the absence of Naseem Shah is a very big loss for Pakistan.”
Clearly India definitely will be a better team: Waqar Younis
The renowned bowler referred to India-Pakistan as the “mother of all games” and asserted that the home team is in a stronger position than Pakistan. The former fast bowler said, “Then again, as we all know, it will be the biggest game, mother of all the games. So, when you will play in Ahmedabad, which has one of the biggest and finest stadiums in the world, you will have to control your nerves and not only Pakistan will be under pressure since it is a weaker team as compared to India but India will be also under pressure because the crowd in the stadium will create pressure on both the teams and that will balance the pressure in the game. However, if we judge purely based on the team’s performance, clearly India definitely will be a better team.”
Fans react as former Pakistan fast bowler gives interesting intake on India vs Pakistan World Cup clash:
Waqar Younis said, "India Vs Pakistan is the mother of all games, but Pakistan is a weaker side when compared to India". pic.twitter.com/qcUmMR1fls
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 28, 2023
Big games, big rivalries! Let's just say the intense competition brings out the best in both teams. Exciting clashes, passionate fans, and unforgettable moments on the field. Keeps us hooked! ????? #CricketUnitesUs
— Somanath Mishra?? (@somnath_bbsr) September 28, 2023
Nothing new waqar pakistan has always been a weaker side against India in ICC events
— Ansh Shah (@asmemesss) September 28, 2023
India Pak is just a hype noting else.
& that too be because of politics – nothing else.
In terms of talent or competition- India team is far ahead currently.— Ishaan Meet (@ishaanmeet) September 28, 2023
Sounds like Waqar has a different take on the cricket rivalry! Either way, let's enjoy the excitement of India vs Pakistan matches and celebrate the spirit of the game ??
— Somanath Mishra?? (@somnath_bbsr) September 28, 2023
Weaker side ki bat ki jaye to Pakistan mai sare bht kam Cricket khel chuky hain. India team mai kafi experienced players hen. That's the only different.
— Wali Rehman (@walirehman903) September 28, 2023
But baburr have no 1 ranking ? pic.twitter.com/HFs0OHVJMC
— Naks..! (@oyenakss) September 28, 2023
Because Waqar's team was weak in ICC events vs India so he is living in those days
— waqas (@icricketfreak) September 28, 2023
He just makes you happy before #WorldCup2023 bs apny ghabrana nae Babar ? aur Shaheen sy
— A H A D ? (@Xh_Sahib) September 28, 2023
Honest opinion by Waqar….
But on the day any team can beat any team.
We are missing NaseemShah badly otherwise it could have been even Steven.— Wickets and Sixes (@wicketsandsixes) September 28, 2023
Waqar Younis speaking the facts
— Ash (@Ashsay_) September 28, 2023
