'They have a chance' - Wasim Akram predicts winner of India vs Pakistan clash in 20-20 World Cup 2022

Pakistan, the Asia Cup 2022 finalists, lost the seven-match T20I series against England 4-3. However, the team made it to the finals of the ongoing tri-series in New Zealand and the Men in Green will face the Kane Williamson-led team in the summit clash on October 14, Friday.

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A win in the finals could give Babar Azam and his men a great boost in morale ahead of the much-awaited showpiece event in Australia. Wasim Akram, the former Pakistan cricketer, has always been supportive of the team irrespective of results.

Amidst the ongoing series, Akram has come out yet again in support of Pakistan ahead of the 20-20 World Cup 2022.

When predicting the winner of the India vs Pakistan clash to be played on October 23, the legendary cricketer pointed out the cons in both squads before placing his bet on the outcome of the match. However, Akram predicted that the Men in Green have a fair chance if they manage to control their poor-performing middle order.

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Pakistan have a chance: Akram

Akram emphasized on the talent in Pakistan's pace attack and said that they can come out on top if the middle order issue is sorted. Furthermore, the Pakistan legend rated the Babar Azam - Mohammad Rizwan duo the best amongst the two teams.

“India have a good batting line-up. But they still haven’t named Bumrah’s replacement. Pakistan, their middle-order is struggling. If the middle-order clicks, Pakistan have a very good bowling attack and one of the best opening pairs. So if they can control the middle-order, they have a chance,” Akram was quoted as saying.

The Indian team led by Rohit Sharma will be playing in the showpiece event in the absence of lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah. In his absence, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is expected to prove his prowess yet again. For the unversed, the star pacer lacked the ability to bowl at the death in the continental tournament played in September.

“India have Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he is good with the new ball, but with that pace, if the ball is not swinging, he will probably struggle there. But he is a very good bowler no doubt, swings both ways, has the yorker but you need pace in Australia. It’s in Australia. The Australians will probably play well, they have a good bowling attack, they know those pitches,” said the former Pakistani cricketer further.