After a fantastic performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final on September 17 at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Hardik Pandya, the renowned star Indian all-rounder, earned high praise from the legendary Pakistani fast bowler, Wasim Akram.
In the Asia Cup Final game, Hardik Pandya showcased an impressive performance, taking three crucial wickets. He dismissed Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, and Matheesha Pathirana, which led to India restricting the defending champions to a mere 50 runs when given the opportunity to bowl first. Prior to this, the star pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka’s top and middle-order batsmen.
According to Wasim Akram, Hardik is set to be India’s “go-to weapon” in the upcoming 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19. He also expressed his belief that Rohit Sharma and the team are the top contenders to clinch the coveted title.
“He (Hardik Pandya) is their main weapon in the upcoming World Cup and India are one of the favourite teams to win it. For starters, they are playing at home and we have seen what they can do with the ball,” Akram told Star Sports.
Wasim Akram heaped more compliments on the exceptional display by star spinner Kuldeep Yadav during the Asia Cup. The 57-year-old also emphasized that India’s impressive showing in the tournament had solidified their confidence in having a formidable squad.
“Kuldeep got wickets as well against the big sides in the Asia Cup. So, it’s a complete side. So, well done to the Indian think tank, which has been supporting these boys and making sure that they have the proper squad before the World Cup,” Akram further added.
Two arch-rivals India and Pakistan will be facing each other in the World Cup 2023 on October 14th at Narendra Modi Stadium. Both of the teams will be looking to have a thriller match in the tournament. The last match they played in the Asia Cup 2023 was a one-sided contest where India brutally hammered Pakistan by 228 runs.
