Former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif feels that the Men in Blue are clear favorites in the tournament. This statement of his comes before the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan on September 14, Sunday, in Dubai. The Indian team started the campaign with a win against UAE by 9 wickets, while Pakistan will be starting their campaign against Oman on September 15, Friday, before playing against their neighboring country, India.
Rashid Latif said,
"The Indian team is good, and the signs were visible in their clash against the UAE. Kuldeep, Axar, Varun, Jasprit, Hardik, and Shivam are all good bowlers. They have five batters and five bowlers that make a good combination."
"It is a transition period for India and Pakistan. They are without their star players, but these players are also big stars. We will see what will happen. India has a very composed team."
"There will be a lot of pressure on both of the teams after the brief 2.5-hour war between the two countries. The winner of the match will be 'Sikandar.' It would be added pressure on both teams."
Further, the Pakistani cricketer praised Indian batters, including skipper Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Shubman Gill, and other players, also highlighting the bowling attack, and backed the Indian team to win on Sunday.
He said,
"I want Pakistan to win, but if analyzed based on skill, India is on top, and it is history... The competition is so tight in the Indian team that despite performing exceptionally, players like Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravi Bishnoi, and Ishan Kishan are not in the squad. Pakistan doesn't have that leverage, and we've got a problem in shot selection."