Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram weighs the pros and cons ahead of this evening’s needle Champions Trophy match at Centurion.

By Abhishek Dinman

Ahead of an India versus Pakistan clash, people like Wasim Akram are caught between emotion and reality. As a former skipper, a man who played the game hard, Akram, like any Pakistani today, will hate to lose Saturday night’s derby clash against arch-rivals India. Akram wishes he had the powers to pick the Playing XI at Centurion.

Speaking to Mobile ESPN from Johannesburg Saturday morning, Akram says teams must now embrace reality and shun sentiment. It might sound a little weird, but Akram suggests Pakistan should drop their most-experienced batsman Mohammed Yousuf and play Imran Nazir instead.

“Nazir is better suited against India. Apart from his batting, Imran is a better fielder and hence should be preferred ahead of the ageing Yousuf,” Akram suggests.

With Younis Khan declared fit, Akram wonders who would make way to accommodate the captain. “If you ask me, Nazir will be my choice. I am not too confident about Yousuf as his fielding is below standard. Nazir, on the other hand, is one of the quickest fielders around,” said Akram.

On a turning Centurion track, Akram believes Pakistan spinners will make hay.

Got questions about your favourite team in the ICC Champions Trophy? Ask Wasim Akram. Send in your queries to fanspeak@espnstar.co.in

“Pakistan have two top-class spinners in Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi. Both have enough guile and trickery to tame the much-vaunted Indian line-up,” feels Akram. He also seemed confident of Pakistan’s pace battery, saying: “Our attack has hit the peak at the right moment. Mohammad Aamer is bowling well. Umar Gul, of course will hold the key. Rana Naved is highly experienced. Make no mistake, Indians will have to deal with a lot of reverse swing.”

Akram, one could sense, was a little relieved at Yuvraj Singh’s absence. He said Yuvi’s injury is a big blow to Team India. “India will have a hard time coming to terms with the sudden pull-out of Yuvraj due to a broken finger. He is a match-winner. I hope Pakistan are able to take advantage of the situation,” said Akram.

So on whom is he putting his money today? “I have no doubt in my mind when I say Pakistan have a 60 percent chance to beat India,” says Akram.

We shall see.

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