This India side intimidates Pakistan, says Waqar Younis

In his playing days, the word ‘intimidation’ was seen more applicable to Pakistan’s opponents. But former Pakistan captain and coach Waqar Younis feels it was Virat Kohli’s team intimidated Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side in their marquee clash at Old Trafford in the World Cup 2019. The 47-year-old conceded that India were indeed superior to Pakistan in the game which the former won by 89 runs in DLS Method to extend their World Cup record against the Men in Green to 7-0.

Sarfaraz won the toss and sent India to bat, a decision which backfired during the day. Rohit Sharma made 140 while his opening partner KL Rahul and Kohli hit half-centuries to take the Indian total to 336 for 5. The Pakistani bowlers failed to make any mark and with the bat, too, they lost wickets in a heap after Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam put up a partnership of 104 runs for the second wicket. As per the revised target in the rain-hit game, Pakistan were to make 302 in 40 overs but could manage only 212 for 6.

According to Younis, Pakistan couldn’t cope with the pressure that was applied by India on them. He lauded India saying they relied on team game while Pakistan were more dependent on individuals.

“In the last few years, there’s been a massive difference between India and Pakistan — and again it showed at Old Trafford on Sunday,” News18 cited reports as quoting Younis as saying. “Pakistan are still trying to rely on talent alone, while with India it’s all about teamwork. They all know their roles, and they execute them superbly. We had good sides in the 1990s, but now I think this India team intimidates Pakistan.”

Younis was the captain of Pakistan in the 2003 edition and that year, India thrashed Pakistan by 6 wickets at Centurion with Sachin Tendulkar scoring a blazing 98 off 75 balls.

For Younis, the only Pak bowler to do good was Amir

The legendary fast bowler with 789 international scalps said India have classy batsmen who wait for the bad balls. He said they didn’t have to try too much against Pakistan since the latter’s bowlers were inconsistent in the length. He said Mohammad Amir, who returned with three wickets in the match, was the only bowler to have created pressure by bowling a good length.

Younis is also of the opinion that they should replace Wahab Riaz, the other veteran pacer, with young fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain.