The Asia Cup may still be weeks away, but tension is already building in Pakistan cricket. With no sign of India boycotting the fixture, the stakes are set. Former cricketer Basit Ali has even said he hopes India refuse to play Pakistan, warning that the contest could get ugly if it goes ahead. His main concern is India’s top five Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya which he calls a “complete nightmare” for Pakistan.
West Indies Defeat Adds to Pressure
Basit Ali’s warning comes just days after Pakistan’s crushing 202-run defeat to West Indies in the third ODI at Tarouba. Chasing 295, Pakistan collapsed to 92 all out in 29.2 overs. Jayden Seales tore through the batting line-up, taking 6 wickets for just 18 runs. It was Pakistan’s fourth-biggest ODI loss, made worse by the fact that they were leading the series 1-0 before losing it 2-1.
Batting Collapse Raises Concerns
The collapse was swift and painful. Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, and captain Mohammad Rizwan were all dismissed for ducks inside the first three overs. Babar Azam could only manage 9 runs, while Salman Agha top-scored with 30. For Basit Ali, if this can happen against West Indies, it could be far worse against India.
India’s Powerful T20 Line-Up
The Asia Cup will be played in the T20 format in the UAE, and India can field a fearless batting order. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive starts, Tilak Varma’s composure, Sanju Samson’s stroke play, Suryakumar Yadav’s unconventional hitting, and Hardik Pandya’s finishing ability can take the game away in minutes. Against Pakistan’s inconsistent batting and unpredictable bowling, this is a dangerous combination.
Urgent Fix Needed for Pakistan’s Top Order
With the match still weeks away, the pressure is already mounting. Pakistan’s confidence has taken a hit after the West Indies loss, and the thought of facing India’s in-form batting unit is unsettling even for former players. Basit Ali’s advice is clear. Pakistan must repair their top order quickly, or a one-sided thrashing could be on the cards.
