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Akram’s statement comes after Pakistan made a stunning comeback against England, defeating Ben Stokes & Co 2-1 at home.
Can Pakistan also beat India in a Test series? (BCCI Photo)
A 0-3 series defeat at the hands of New Zealand ended India’s home dominance in Test cricket. The Black Caps became the first team to whitewash India in their own backyard in 24 years, exposing the Rohit Sharma-led side’s inability to withstand a quality spin attack. Observing India’s horrific batting collapses throughout the 3-match series against the Kiwis, pace legend Wasim Akram believes that even Pakistan can beat India now, in the longest format.
Akram’s statement comes after Pakistan made a stunning comeback against England, defeating Ben Stokes & Co 2-1. The hosts lost the first Test in Multan by an innings and 47 runs but went on to win the next two Tests, riding on the brilliance of spin twins Noman Ali and Sajid Khan. They collectively picked up 39 wickets in two matches where Ali bagged 20 and Khan ended the series with 19 scalps.
Meanwhile, Akram shared his thoughts on a possible India vs Pakistan Test rivalry. While calling the first Australia vs Pakistan ODI in Melbourne, his co-commentator Michael Vaughan proposed the idea of an India-Pakistan Test series, to which Akram responded enthusiastically, acknowledging the heightened intensity of such a rivalry.
“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. 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,” he added.
India vs Pakistan – The last Test Series
It’s been 17 years since the arch-rivals engaged in a Test series. The last time they locked horns in the game’s longest format was in 2007 when India won the 3-match series 1-0. The hosts won the opener by 6 wickets in New Delhi while the next two games, in Kolkata and Bengaluru, respectively, ended in a draw.
- Location :
Melbourne, Australia
