Manchester: Former captain Waqar Younis believes the current Indian team intimidates Pakistan, who are always under pressure ahead of big-ticket clashes against the arch-rivals.
Pakistan suffered their seventh defeat to India in the World Cup, going down by 89 runs via D/L method here on Sunday and Younis said the defeat exposed the “massive difference” between the two sides. “In the last few years, there’s been a massive difference between India and Pakistan – and again it showed at Old Trafford on Sunday,” Younis wrote in a column for the ICC. “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. When Pakistan teams head into these games, they are always under pressure and feel like they’re the weaker team,” former Pakistan captain added. Younis said Pakistan have to improve their fitness to challenge India. “Culture needs to change first, and then the fitness level needs to match the Indian players,” he said. Sarfaraz has drawn flak for electing to bowl after winning the toss and Younis too slammed the Pakistan skipper and said it is their bowling which let the team down. “Of course, Sarfaraz got it wrong; especially when you’re playing two spinners and you decide to bowl first,” he wrote. (PTI)
