Saqlain Mushtaq highlights difference between India and Pakistan cricket teams

Team India’s staggering depth has been a hot topic in the cricket world lately. Despite having the majority of the key players in England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has managed to name a formidable squad for three ODIs and as many T20Is against Sri Lanka. Under Shikhar Dhawan’s leadership, India have been brilliant so far in this tour, registering victories in the first two ODIs.

Many fans and experts have heaped praises on Indian cricket’s strength and former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq is the latest to join the bandwagon. Mushtaq said India are benefitting from frequent A and Under-19 tours to England and Australia. Comparing India and Pakistan, the former cricketer also highlighted that players from his nation don’t get such opportunities with not much international cricket taking place at home.

Saqlain Mushtaq opines on Team India and Pakistan

“Pakistan cricket has suffered a lot because of no international cricket at home but India has done the right thing by investing in its under-19 and A team tours. I remember I was working in England for like four summers and once in Australia and every year I saw some Indian team touring those countries,” Saqlain said in an interview as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Meanwhile, both India and Pakistan teams were in action on Tuesday (June 20) but their results were contrasting. The Men in Blue met Sri Lanka in the second ODI in Colombo and walked away with a thrilling three-wicket triumph. Deepak Chahar’s all-round show was instrumental in the visiting team’s success.

On the other hand, Pakistan crossed swords with England in the third and deciding T20I of the series. Batting first in Manchester, the visitors posted 154/6 thanks to an unbeaten half-century from Mohammad Rizwan. However, the Three Lions chased down the total with two balls to spare, winning the contest by three wickets. With this defeat, Pakistan also lost the series 2-1.

Meanwhile, the arch-rivals will lock horns in the T20 World Cup later this year and fans of the two countries have already marked their calendars. India are undoubtedly deemed favorites for the fixture, but one shouldn’t forget Pakistan’s tendency to put up unpredictable performances.

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