'If India bowlers get rid of Babar Azam early, they can destroy Pakistan'- Monty Panesar on INDO-PAK clash

The experts and critics have started to put their thinking hats on and have begun to make predictions for the upcoming India-Pakistan match in the International T20 Cup. While Virender Sehwag and Kapil Dev feel the teams should enjoy and express themselves, former England off-spinner Monty Panesar feels that Pakistan are an unpredictable side, and that is what makes them dangerous. The blockbuster match will take place on Sunday (October 24).

India have managed to hold an upper hand as they have defeated Pakistan on all five occasions in the mega events of T20. Panesar also feels India start as favorites due to their clean record.  “You just can’t predict Pakistan. Only Pakistan can beat Pakistan. On their day, they can beat any team in the world. Pakistan are really motivated this time and wouldn’t spare any team.

"But India will have an upper hand, considering their overall records against Pakistan. Pakistan will be under pressure, not India,” said Monty Panesar in a chat with the Times of India.

The cricketer-turned-expert further opined that Shaheen Shah Afridi will be a crucial bowler for Pakistan due to his ability to bowl fast with control. Panesar also felt that Indian batters such as KL Rahul and Virat Kohli would have had lot of practice against left-arm fast bowling.

The former England off-spinner concluded by saying that Babar Azam will be a key wicket for India, and said if he gets out, then Pakistan batting lineup would crumble.

“For Pakistan, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi (are the key). Shaheen is a wonderful left-arm seamer and he will eye more and more Indian wickets. I am sure Virat and KL Rahul have enough practice against the left-arm seamers. If India bowlers get rid of Babar Azam early, they can destroy Pakistan like a pack of cards,” concluded Monty Panesar.