The much-awaited India-Pakistan 2024 T20 World Cup clash is set to take place in New York, and the cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation. Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has added fuel to the fire by launching a scathing attack on current Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, dismissing any comparisons with Indian superstar Virat Kohli.
Virat Kohli and Babar Azam have often been compared due to their remarkable batting achievements over the past few years. Kohli, the more senior player, has amassed nearly 27,000 international runs with an astonishing 80 centuries. Meanwhile, Babar has scored almost 14,000 runs in his nine-year international career, including 31 centuries.
Danish Kaneria’s Verdict on Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam
Speaking to IANS ahead of the India-Pakistan clash, Danish Kaneria rubbished the comparisons between the two batsmen. He minced no words, saying, “As soon as Babar Azam scored a hundred, the next day you’ll see comparisons with Virat Kohli. Virat k jute k barabar bhi nahi hai (He doesn’t even come close to Kohli’s shoes).”
Kaneria criticized Babar’s recent performance against the USA, where he scored a laborious 44 off 43 balls. Pakistan managed only 159/7 in 20 overs, and the US batters stunned the Asian giants by leveling the scores and winning in the Super Over.
Choose your favorite player!!
Babar vs Virat pic.twitter.com/Z4Nx26XGsN— Abdur Rehman (@AbdulRe53436452) March 8, 2024
Danish Kaneria predicts that India will continue their domination over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup encounter. The Men in Blue hold a massive 6-1 edge over their arch-rivals in T20 World Cup meetings, with Pakistan’s lone win coming in 2021. Kaneria believes that India will beat Pakistan soundly, emphasizing that Pakistan’s bowling-centric approach has often let them down.
In their tournament opener, India brushed aside Ireland by eight wickets, while Pakistan suffered a shocking defeat to the USA. The previous T20 World Cup meeting between the sides saw Virat Kohli lead India to a thrilling final-ball win while chasing 160.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the clash between these two cricketing powerhouses, Danish Kaneria’s strong words have added spice to the rivalry. Whether Babar Azam can prove him wrong remains to be seen, but the battle between the bat and ball promises to be intense on the grand stage of the T20 World Cup.