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'We Have Better Middle Order Than India': Former Pakistan Cricketer's 'BOLD' Statement

image-llkhw24zBasit Ali has stated that Pakistan have a better Middle-Order than India [Twitter]

Often regarded as one of the most inconsistent sides in international cricket, Pakistan's One-Day International (ODI) setup looks more formidable than ever heading into the marquee ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and Asia Cup 2023.

On the flip side, India's ODI side still remains shrouded in mystery with key players out due to injuries, while others have failed to pull the bull by the neck. Speaking on YouTube, former Pakistan batter Basit Ali believes that the current Pakistan middle order is better than India, who are still exploring an ideal No.4.  

Apart from Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan have batters like Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali,and  Abdullah Shafique within their ranks, while India boasts of a top-heavy order with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill. 

Here's what Ali said

“We have Babar, Fakhar, Imam and Rizwan at the top, Iftikhar and Salman Ali in the middle and Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz can be a bit handy down the order. In comparison, we have a better middle order than India. If Ishan Kishan plays at no. 5, fingers are crossed. No idea how will he perform there. India could also play Tilak Varma at no. 3 and bring Kohli at no. 4. 

India will face problems at no. 4, 5 and 6. They have three top-class batters Rohit, Virat and Gill at the top. India will depend on their top three. If they perform, it will be difficult to beat India at the World Cup and the Asia Cup.

In recent series against West Indies, India experimented with Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Axar Patel in the absence of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who remain crucial in the World Cup scheme of things.

It will be interesting to see what route India takes in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, which starts August 30 and will act as a precursor to World Cup 2023. Meanwhile, Pakistan will play against Afghanistan in short-three ODI series starting tomorrow.