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India vs Pakistan, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Wasim Akram worried about lack of fifth bowler in Pakistan camp
Pakistan will be the underdogs in their clash with India on Sunday in the ICC World Cup and the lack of a good fifth bowler could hurt them
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has asked Sarfaraz Ahmed to have a fearless approach when the side take on India in a crucial clash on Sunday in the Cricket World Cup 2019. Akram did admit that India were favourites for the game, but hoped that Pakistan would put in a solid fight.
"Its 70-30 in India's favor," Wasim said when he was asked to forecast the result of the match. "India has depth in their batting, their bowling is also good. (Bhuvneshwar) Kumar and (Jasprit) Bumrah are in good form. So, overall India looks a very good side.
"But Pakistan can match them. When it comes to India and Pakistan game, the team that handles the pressure well wins the day."
The swing bowler did admit though that not having Shikhar Dhawan will impact the Indians. Not only does Dhawan have a good record against Pakistan and in the ICC events, his absence will also mean that the Pakistanis do not have to focus on bowling to a left-right hand combination.
"India has depth in batting but Dhawan scored a century in the previous game and he played with full determination and scored a hundred with an injury. India will also miss left-hand, right-hand combination which otherwise would've haunted Pakistani bowlers," Akram said.
Pakistan are currently eighth on the points table with two losses, one win and an abandoned game in their four matches. The last game against Australia saw Mohammad Amir rise to the party to end with five wickets, but lack of bowlers to support him could lead to Pakistan's downfall.
"Pakistani bowlers didn't bowl on length against Australia. Other than Amir, no bowler could really trouble them. I hope Pakistan brings Shadab back in the squad," he said.
"Pakistan will still miss a fifth bowler. Hafeez and Malik playing role of fifth bowler will give some advantage to Indian batting but you don't have much options. That’s the 15 you're here with."
