‘Pakistan can beat India in Test cricket on spinning pitches’, Says Wasim Akram following NZ’s whitewash victory
New Delhi: After India’s surprising 0-3 Test series defeat to New Zealand at home, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram expressed confidence that Pakistan could capitalize on India’s recent struggles against spin. He suggested that, in a potential Test series on spin-friendly pitches, Pakistan could have an edge over India, exploiting this newfound vulnerability in their batting lineup.
India’s recent series loss has underscored significant issues facing their batting lineup against spin, particularly against New Zealand’s spin trio—Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, and Glenn Phillips. Among the Indian batsmen, only Rishabh Pant (66) and Washington Sundar (44.5) managed to perform consistently. Other key players like Yashasvi Jaiswal (25.6), Shubman Gill (29.5), and Sarfaraz Khan (23.5) struggled for consistency. Veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also faced challenges, averaging just 10.5 and 16.75, respectively, reflecting India’s vulnerability against quality spin attacks.
While India stumbled, Pakistan has recently thrived on home soil. They achieved a 2-1 Test series victory over England, bouncing back from an early setback with wins on spin-friendly pitches in Karachi and Multan. Pakistan’s spinners, off-spinner Sajid Khan and left-arm spinner Noman Ali, produced match-winning performances, taking advantage of the turning conditions that challenged the English batters on unfamiliar surfaces. This success underscores Pakistan’s strength on turning pitches, which could prove crucial if they were to face India under similar conditions.
During commentary with former England captain Michael Vaughan at the first ODI between Australia and Pakistan in Melbourne, Wasim Akram shared his thoughts on an India-Pakistan Test series. When Vaughan suggested the idea, Akram responded enthusiastically, recognizing the elevated intensity and passion that such a rivalry brings. Akram’s comments highlighted his belief that Pakistan could leverage India’s recent struggles against spin to gain an upper hand if a Test series were to take place on spin-friendly pitches.
“It will be massive. It will be good for the game, for two cricket-crazy nations,” Akram said. In response to Vaughan’s comment that “Pakistan can now beat India on turners,” Akram added, “Pakistan have a chance to beat India in Tests now on a spinning track. They have been hammered by New Zealand 3-0 at home.”
An India-Pakistan Test series is a highly anticipated event, with the last encounter dating back to 2007, where India clinched a 1-0 victory in a three-match series. Political and diplomatic tensions have since prevented the two teams from facing each other in the longer format, leaving fans on both sides eagerly awaiting the revival of this iconic rivalry. The possibility of a Test series would not only rekindle historic ties but also offer a thrilling contest between the two cricketing powerhouses.