While cricket is full of intense rivalries, none captures global attention like Pakistan vs. India matchups across any format. With fans eagerly anticipating the chance to see these arch-rivals clash outside of major international tournaments, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram recently shared his thoughts on the potential outcome of a Test series between the two teams.
During commentary for the first ODI between Pakistan and Australia on Monday, Akram suggested that Pakistan might have a good chance of defeating India in Test matches on spin-friendly tracks. “Pakistan have a chance to beat India in Tests now on a spinning track. They have been hammered by New Zealand 3-0 at home,” Akram remarked, referring to India’s recent series struggles against spin-heavy bowling.
Akram’s comments came after former England cricketer Michael Vaughan had voiced a similar view, stating his belief that Pakistan could now outplay India in spin conditions. “Pakistan can now beat India on the turners,” Vaughan had said, highlighting the recent performances of both teams on spinning tracks.
Recently, Pakistan’s Test squad made a strong comeback, winning a three-match Test series against England at home. After losing the opening Test, Pakistan revamped their lineup, bringing in spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who together took 39 of the 40 wickets in the last two Tests, leading Pakistan to their first home Test series victory since 2021. Key players like Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi were rested in this successful strategy.
In contrast, India recently suffered their first-ever 3-0 home Test series defeat as New Zealand’s spinners exploited India’s difficulties with spin. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips, took 37 out of 57 wickets, exposing weaknesses in India’s lineup on spinning tracks.
Pakistan and India last competed in a Test series in 2008, leaving fans on both sides hoping for another chance to witness this iconic rivalry in the longest format of the game.
