Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan pointed out that the gap between Indian and Pakistan team is massive. This comes after the Men in Blue's 6-wicket victory over their arch-rivals in the Super 4 clash in Asia Cup. He also took a brutal dig on Pakistan batters, who failed to take their side's total over the 200-run mark despite the pitch being suited for batters.
“The difference and gap between Pakistan cricket and India is clearly visible. The gap is very big. When I said that even a Mumbai team can beat Pakistan, I didn’t say it just like that," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
“It was genuine cricketing sense. They (Pakistan) don’t have that quality in batting. How did they not get to 200, as it was a good pitch? These skills aren’t seen in them. The mindset that they can beat India isn’t there at all," he added.
Pathan's praise for Abhishek and Gill
Pathan also lauded the opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill for providing India with a fantastic start to the chase of 172. The pair formed a massive stand of 105 runs and made the equation easy for their team. Pathan emarked that Abhishek and Gill took the game away from the grasp of Pakistan in the powerplay itself.
“It wasn’t a big score, but the pressure is still there. The way they started in the power play was outstanding. Scoring 69 runs in the first six overs means taking the game far away from the opposition," Pathan stated.
“Shubman Gill matched Abhishek Sharma today and showed his class and power. He showed his timing and aggression. Even Abhishek was showing aggression," he added.
Indian batters' sensational performance
Meanwhile, it was quite a dominant display from India during their clash against Pakistan. Though the side wasn't able to put up a great performance with the ball, the batters made up for it in what was nothing short of a brilliant display. Though the duo of Abhishek and Gill had lost their wickets by the 13th over, the damage was already done. Tilak Varma's unbeaten cameo of 30 runs was enough to guide India to the 172-run target with seven deliveries left to spare.
Now India will be facing-off against Bangladesh in what will be both the sides' second match of the Super 4 and will be played on September 24. On the other hand, Pakistan will be hoping to bounce back in their next match of the tournament which will be against Sri Lanka and will be contested on September 23.