Danish Kaneria Attacks Babar Azam Before IND Vs PAK Clash, Says ‘Virat K Jute Ke Barabar Bhi Nahi Hai’
New Delhi: Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria ignited the Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam debate with a scathing remark on the Men in Green captain, just hours before the marquee T20 World Cup 2024 clash in New York. Both Kohli and Babar have always grabbed the headlines as to who is the better batter in international cricket. Although Babar is regarded as one of the modern-day greats, the right-hander still has a long way to go to match Kohli in terms of runs and statistics.
India have started well in the ongoing T20 World Cup with a win over Ireland. However, the same is not the case for Pakistan, who slumped to a Super Over loss to minnows USA. A loss against India on Sunday would derail their chances to making it to the Super 8s.
Asked to compare between Kohli and Babar, Kaneria minced no words against the Pakistan skipper. “As soon as Babar Azam scored a hundred the next day you’ll see comparisons with Virat Kohli. Virat ke jute k barabar bhi nahi hai (He (Babar) is not even close to Virat’s shoes),” Kaneria was quoted as saying to IANS ahead of the India-Pakistan match.
“USA Bowlers had him stuck, he was unable to play the bowlers. As soon as he reached 40 odd runs he got out. He should have stayed and won the game. Pakistan should have won the game one sided,” added Kaneria, who played 61 Tests and 18 ODIs for Pakistan.
After a shoddy show against the USA where Pakistan conceded seven extras and even the most experienced bowler, Mohammad Amir went for 18 runs in a over, Kaneria had little hopes from Pakistan. “India will beat them badly,” he said.
“They are not capable of beating India. Whenever Pakistan come to the World Cup they keep praising their bowling and say that their bowling will win them the game but that was the reason they lost the first game,” predicted Kaneria.