Rohit Sharma (left) and Babar Azam© AFP
West Indies legend Chris Gayle has referred to as India the favourites forward of their T20 World Cup match towards Pakistan on Sunday. India acquired off to an incredible begin within the ICC showpiece with a win over Eire, whereas Pakistan had been overwhelmed by co-hosts USA within the Tremendous Over. “They (Pakistan) have their backs damaged and after a defeat like that, it’s a massive problem to play towards a staff like India, who historically have the higher hand in these video games,” Gayle instructed ICC. However Gayle mentioned it might be naive to anticipate a calming contest between the cross-border rivals. “India are within the driver's seat, undoubtedly a extra snug seat. However it’s India versus Pakistan within the World Cup, so you’ll be able to't take something as a right,” he mentioned.
Nonetheless, the flamboyant Jamaican mentioned Pakistan must come collectively rapidly to problem India.
“So far as Pakistan are involved, they haven’t any time to waste. They need to regroup for the most important match of the event towards India in New York Metropolis – it has change into even greater now,” he mentioned.
Nonetheless, Gayle believes that the US defeating Pakistan will take the sport of cricket ahead.
“Like the remainder of the cricket world I’m overwhelmed by the USA's win over Pakistan. It's an enormous end result which isn’t solely unbelievable for them however an enormous factor for the entire of cricket.”
“In a World Cup you all the time anticipate some upsets and after getting off to an excellent begin by beating Canada, the USA saved Pakistan below strain all through the match. I feel that is the day when the World Cup actually began,” he mentioned.
The previous Windies captain mentioned the event holds immense significance for his nation, which didn’t qualify for the 50-over World Cup held in India final 12 months.
“This event is essential for Caribbean cricket having did not qualify for the final ICC Males’s Cricket World Cup.
“It’s an enormous factor for gamers to step up and be counted,” he mentioned.
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