Kaneria Dismisses Babar Azam's Comparison To Kohli Before T20 World Cup Clash

IND vs PAK: Former spinner Danish Kaneria has criticised Babar Azam ahead of the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 Match 19 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday, June 9.

Babar Azam's Pakistan are facing difficulties after losing their T20 World Cup 2024 opener against the USA in Dallas on Thursday. A defeat against arch-rivals India could jeopardise their chances of qualifying for the Super Eight round of the ICC showpiece event.

Kaneria, who played 61 Test matches and 18 ODI matches for Pakistan, mocked Babar Azam for his comparison with India star Virat Kohli. The 43-year-old said Babar Azam was not even worth comparison with the shoes of Virat Kohli.

"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 is not even equal to Virat's shoes)," Kaneria told IANS.

Danish Kaneria also criticised Babar Azam's slow innings against the USA. The 29-year-old top-scored for Pakistan but took 43 balls for his 44 runs. Babar Azam's strike rate in T20 cricket has been under question for a long period of time now.

"USA bowlers had him stuck; he was unable to play the bowlers. As soon as he reached 40 odd runs, he got out. He should have stayed and won the game. Pakistan should have won the game one-sided," he added.

Further, Danish Kaneria predicted that India will hammer Pakistan in New York. He said Pakistan rely heavily on their bowlers, but they were the reason why the Men in Green could not defend 160 and then leaked 18 runs in the Super Over.

"India will beat them badly. They are not capable of beating India. Whenever Pakistan come to the World Cup, they keep praising their bowling and say that their bowling will win them the game, but that was the reason they lost the first game," Kaneria said.

India have played seven T20I World Cup matches against Pakistan. The Men in Blue have emerged on top six times. Pakistan's only win against India came in the T20 World Cup 2021.