‘I think Pakistan have a great chance of beating India in India’ - Former Pakistan pacer on much-anticipated clash in ODI World Cup 2023

India vs Pakistan (Source- Twitter)

The much-anticipated clash of the ODI World Cup 2023, India vs Pakistan, is set to be on October 14 in Ahmedabad, initially fixed for October 15 (Sunday). Former Pakistan’s pacer Aaqib Javed has passed his verdict for the big clash and has said that the Men in Green have a great chance of beating the Indian side as they lack fitness. It is pertinent to mention that Aaqib was part of the 1992 World Cup winning squad. 

Anyway, India has an unbeaten record against Pakistan in the ODI World Cup, as they have beaten them seven times in the marquee event. But in past, they also had an unbeaten record in T20 World Cup against their neighbours. However, in the 2021 edition, the Men in Blue lost the game under the leadership of Virat Kohli. 

India will struggle and might have to find new players to form a combination: Aaqib Javed 

"I think Pakistan side is balanced and the age graph of players is much better, India are on that stage where they have big names but their fitness and form is not up to the mark. They will struggle and might have to find new players to form a combination. I think Pakistan have a great chance of beating India in India,” Javed was quoted as saying by Cricwick.

The ODI World Cup 2023 will begin with defending champions England taking on the runner-ups from the last two editions of the tournament, New Zealand, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, October 5. This venue will also host the Final of the tournament on Sunday, November 19. It is also pertinent to mention that India and Pakistan will also meet in the Asia Cup 2023 on September 2 in Kandy, Sri Lanka.  

Earlier, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma compared India vs Pakistan rivalry in the World Cup to a famous football rivalry called ‘El Classico’, which is the game contested between Spanish clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, the most anticipated clash of the 13th edition of the marquee event was originally scheduled in Ahmedabad for Sunday, October 15, but has now moved to Saturday, October 14 at the same venue.