"I firmly believe India is far ahead of Pakistan" : Habibul Bashar

[Ali Bohra]

Former Bangladesh captain - Habibul Basher.

....

I firmly believe India is far ahead of Pakistan. Up to some ten years back, the two teams were fairly evenly matched but India has marched ahead since while Pakistan is not the same team as it was earlier. India has experienced batsmen, proven match-winners and good bowlers. I would give India a 70-30 chance to win the final, but no team uses its 30 percent winning chance better than Pakistan, so I would not like to hazard a guess about the outcome.

Finals of big tournaments have tended to be lop-sided; I am just hoping we have a well contested last game to round off what has been an excellent competition.

Source: http://www.firstpost.com/sports/hab...to-handle-pressure-of-a-big-game-3679449.html

 

[KingKhanWC]

So are South Africa and England in ODI cricket at the moment but were blown away.

I said England were way overrated and I say the same now, India are way overated. If Pakistan play the same as the last game, India will not win.

 

[Sadevdesai]

The Indians are a battle hardened group, that has the same nucleus for a while. Dhoni is their biggest Ace in a hole on top of being a wicket keeper and a middle order batsman. He has huge bag of tricks, one of which he used against BD in the last match !!!! So they will not be pushed over. Mind you, I am not saying we cannot win, but it is going to take a freak dismissal or a out of the world performance with the bat or ball. Good luck !!!!

 

[RickyG]

Wow such insight. How has Sky Sports not signed him up?

 

[jnaveen1980]

It is a fact. Pakistan is behind lot of teams. But they are very good in one off scenario. It is always the case as well. Hence their ranking.

 

[kingusama92]

Doesn't matter in a knockout game.

As seen against ENG.

 

[FlickedOffHips]

Former Bangladesh captain - Habibul Basher.

I firmly believe India is far ahead of Pakistan. Up to some ten years back, the two teams were fairly evenly matched but India has marched ahead since while Pakistan is not the same team as it was earlier. India has experienced batsmen, proven match-winners and good bowlers. I would give India a 70-30 chance to win the final, but no team uses its 30 percent winning chance better than Pakistan, so I would not like to hazard a guess about the outcome.

Habibul Basher spot on there. Exactly my view.

 

[Usman Chadda]

It is a fact. Pakistan is behind lot of teams. But they are very good in one off scenario. It is always the case as well. Hence their ranking.

Its just how Pakistan is in tournaments. If they get their combination and mindset right, they can be very dangerous no matter who is infront. I still remember the semi-final against South Africa in 2009, quite possibly one of the most dominating performances by an underdog against the favourites.

 

[Rafay Shafiq]

Honest opinion

 

[jnaveen1980]

Its just how Pakistan is in tournaments. If they get their combination and mindset right, they can be very dangerous no matter who is infront. I still remember the semi-final against South Africa in 2009, quite possibly one of the most dominating performances by an underdog against the favourites.

Not against strong minded sides like Australia/India. South Africa is capable of losing to pretty much any team in a knockout scenario.

 

[Hasan123]

It's a 1 off game. We know India is the better team over a bilateral series they would probably prove that. But in a 1 off game anything is possible.

 

[member250]

They are not far ahead... Pakistan just need few pinch hitters to become top ODI side. Fakhar Zaman and Sharjeel are just one of many. PSL will provide few more.

 

[Sherlock]

Nothing wrong with what Basher stated, tbf.

I sometimes think fans feel the same way, but when someone outside of our bubble states the same thing they get uppity and turn their noses on those concerned.

 

[coy0607]

1. Thru the 90s and early 00s Pakistan were clearly a better team

2. In the last decade India have clearly been a better team, but that's not exactly news. India has won WC & CT while Pakistan barely qualified for this tournament

3. Habibul should be more concerned by the (lack of) progress of Bangladesh in the last 10 years..

 

[PakLFC]

Sour grapes on behalf of Bangladesh. So what if India is ahead of Pak when the whole world is ahead of the crappy Bangladesh side. They just got lucky getting to the semi's.

 

[Syed1]

Pakistan already has the best bowling attack in the world. With the imminent return of Sharjeel and emergence of Fakhar we might have the most destructive opening pair shaping up after Warner/Finch. Babar hasn't shown up in this tournament but he is a 50 averaging batsmen after playing against ENG/NZ/AUS in their home grounds. If we get rid of excess fat such as Azhar, Hafeez and possibly Malik we can easily be a top 4 side within a year.

 

[Plumb]

Wow I had no idea ..I thought pak is no1 and Ind 8 (facepalm)

 

[thehub]

Nothing wrong with what Basher stated, tbf.

I sometimes think fans feel the same way, but when someone outside of our bubble states the same thing they get uppity and turn their noses on those concerned.

Spot on. Bangladesh ex player stating the obvious. Daylight between quality of both teams.

 

[Pete Rose]

Sounds fair. I think it's so difficult for analysts get beyond that top order. It's like a wall. I will say this though, Pakistan actually bowled and fielded deently for 40 overs in that match. They had a chance for getting India out for something like 270. I am not saying we could chase that, but it still represented a victory of sorts.

 

[Messiah]

Kinda misleading title. It seems from reading the article, he was saying what a lot of fans would agree with

 

[surg]

Everyone gives India 80-20 so a Pak win will be mind boggling.

 

[Pollack]

So are South Africa and England in ODI cricket at the moment but were blown away.

I said England were way overrated and I say the same now, India are way overated. If Pakistan play the same as the last game, India will not win.

South Africa weren't blown away. Match was incomplete.

 

[Pollack]

Pakistan already has the best bowling attack in the world. With the imminent return of Sharjeel and emergence of Fakhar we might have the most destructive opening pair shaping up after Warner/Finch. Babar hasn't shown up in this tournament but he is a 50 averaging batsmen after playing against ENG/NZ/AUS in their home grounds. If we get rid of excess fat such as Azhar, Hafeez and possibly Malik we can easily be a top 4 side within a year.

The best pakistani bowling attack in the world is going to get hammered on Sunday.
And the real one of the best bowling bowling attacks in the world maybe only behind Aus and Sa will stamp its authority.

 

[New Yorker]

Sour grapes on behalf of Bangladesh. So what if India is ahead of Pak when the whole world is ahead of the crappy Bangladesh side. They just got lucky getting to the semi's.

No, no sour grapes. There is a world outside chatboard trollfights. I didn't read any spite in his comment, unlike yours. He was asked his opinion and gave it. No one fundamentally disagrees. Other than when they play Pakistan I wish nothing but well to Bangladesh, who have been improving by leaps and bounds in recent years.

 

[New Yorker]

South Africa weren't blown away. Match was incomplete.

D/L method says it wasn't.

 

[New Yorker]

Sounds fair. I think it's so difficult for analysts get beyond that top order. It's like a wall. I will say this though, Pakistan actually bowled and fielded deently for 40 overs in that match. They had a chance for getting India out for something like 270. I am not saying we could chase that, but it still represented a victory of sorts.

By that point we had a small chance of keeping India to 270 perhaps, but not of taking 10 wickets

 

[New Yorker]

Pakistan already has the best bowling attack in the world. With the imminent return of Sharjeel and emergence of Fakhar we might have the most destructive opening pair shaping up after Warner/Finch. Babar hasn't shown up in this tournament but he is a 50 averaging batsmen after playing against ENG/NZ/AUS in their home grounds. If we get rid of excess fat such as Azhar, Hafeez and possibly Malik we can easily be a top 4 side within a year.

Agree. We have happened on a very good attack in this tourney, but India is not that far behind. The gap between our respective bowling attacks is nothing like the yawning gulf between the batting lineups. Our no 4 is Hafeez mashallah. One wants to cry.

 

[Mainul]

Nothing to disagree with Bashar.India on paper and by virtue of consistent performance is miles ahead of Pakistan.Pakistan has high confidence after 3 back to back wins over 3 top ODI sides in this tournament.If they use this momentum against India,we have a match in our hand.We,the non Indo Pak citizens,want this exactly-a thrilling encounter between these 2 teams in the final which has been missing for quite sometimes now due to huge gap between the quality of these 2 teams.Pakistan has decreased the gap considerably by playing energetic cricket and by giving 100% on the field in last 3 matches.Let's see if they can carry on this energy against India.

 

[Rightarmfast]

Pakistan already has the best bowling attack in the world. With the imminent return of Sharjeel and emergence of Fakhar we might have the most destructive opening pair shaping up after Warner/Finch. Babar hasn't shown up in this tournament but he is a 50 averaging batsmen after playing against ENG/NZ/AUS in their home grounds. If we get rid of excess fat such as Azhar, Hafeez and possibly Malik we can easily be a top 4 side within a year.

Such delusion, I tell you! Its one thing to be optimistic, but totally another to be absolutely deluded of facts!

 

[ExpressPacer]

Who even is Habibul Basher?

 

[Bhaijaan]

India start off as clear favorites reputation and skill wise.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Pakistan already has the best bowling attack in the world. With the imminent return of Sharjeel and emergence of Fakhar we might have the most destructive opening pair shaping up after Warner/Finch. Babar hasn't shown up in this tournament but he is a 50 averaging batsmen after playing against ENG/NZ/AUS in their home grounds. If we get rid of excess fat such as Azhar, Hafeez and possibly Malik we can easily be a top 4 side within a year.

While I certainly love the optimism, I don't see us shaping into even a top 6 side UNLESS we find a good opening partner for Fakhar. What makes you think Sharjeel's return is imminent? The case is going absolutely nowhere and even if it does go somewhere and Sharjeel IS proven innocent, he's still bound to get 1-2 year ban because he still met people he wasn't supposed. Take the example of Moh. Irfan.

As for Hafeez and Azhar - they aren't going anywhere. Hafeez is a cancer who will be there until 2019. His lobby is extremely strong. Even if Pakistan do shape into some extraordinary unit, even with the poor form of one player, Hafeez will make a return. And Azhar has booked his spot for the next 2 years (WC 19) with his two, pathetic 50's in the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan isn't going anywhere. Babar will never be able to play freely with the likes of Hafeez and Azhar on the other side and his average will drop down to 40's. Unless we these dead-weights retire, we aren't going to progress.

 

[Titan24]

South Africa weren't blown away. Match was incomplete.

Yes it was it was impossible to score 100 odd runs with 7 wickets remaining in 30 odd overs. :ahmed

 

[Titan24]

Such delusion, I tell you! Its one thing to be optimistic, but totally another to be absolutely deluded of facts!

Facts:

Hassan Ali Highest wicket taker of the tournament
Junaid Khan 4th Highest

While I dont see any indian in the top 5 wicket takers

 

[Titan24]

While I certainly love the optimism, I don't see us shaping into even a top 6 side UNLESS we find a good opening partner for Fakhar. What makes you think Sharjeel's return is imminent? The case is going absolutely nowhere and even if it does go somewhere and Sharjeel IS proven innocent, he's still bound to get 1-2 year ban because he still met people he wasn't supposed. Take the example of Moh. Irfan.

As for Hafeez and Azhar - they aren't going anywhere. Hafeez is a cancer who will be there until 2019. His lobby is extremely strong. Even if Pakistan do shape into some extraordinary unit, even with the poor form of one player, Hafeez will make a return. And Azhar has booked his spot for the next 2 years (WC 19) with his two, pathetic 50's in the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan isn't going anywhere. Babar will never be able to play freely with the likes of Hafeez and Azhar on the other side and his average will drop down to 40's. Unless we these dead-weights retire, we aren't going to progress.

Irfan is banned for 1 year but it is actually 6 months effective. Same would be the case with Sharjeel and all the time period since his suspension is included in that so he will be free by august max if the penality is just about meeting the bookie and not reporting. Although his lawer says he even reported it.

 

[Adil_94]

tbf his comments are fine.

 

[BDwarriors]

Ind is better but pakistan can win. Just need to play their potential strength.

 

[Syed1]

Facts:

Hassan Ali Highest wicket taker of the tournament
Junaid Khan 4th Highest

While I dont see any indian in the top 5 wicket takers

Pakistan as a team has the most wickets in the tournament as well.

 

[Zaz]

if one off tourney matches were decided on current form or player vs player then we wouldnt need to play these games on the pitch

Everyone knows india have been over the last few years stronger than pakistan but in a one off match u just never know

 

[yasir]

It's a 1 off game. We know India is the better team over a bilateral series they would probably prove that. But in a 1 off game anything is possible.

It also depends upon conditions. Last time we played in India, during winter season, pitches helped us and we won the series. Before this tournament Indians were bragging that their bowling is much better than Pakistan, well that is not the case obviously....

Top 4/5 teams play really well in batsman friendly conditions, flat and belter wickets, they are rightly said flat track bullies. But on tricky pitches or little support for bowlers or reverse swing Pakistan not only can match them but beat them consistently. There is no team that is king of all conditions. India has lost to SA at home too on belters.

Pakistan need to develop batsmen that can play on belters, hopefully that will be the focus of next two years, get rid of seniors and bring guys like Fakhar/Sharjeel even Faheem who can play modern game, then we can be in top 4 on consistent basis.

 

[IndYeah1]

Facts:

Hassan Ali Highest wicket taker of the tournament
Junaid Khan 4th Highest

While I dont see any indian in the top 5 wicket takers

Well, the Indian TEAM has taken almost as many wickets as the Pakistan team. While Top 3 Indian batsmen have scored more runs than the entire Pakistan team combined.

And while the Pakistan bowling unit's performances after the phainty from India have been stellar, Cricket is a game where runs scored decides the outcomes, not the wickets. If Pakistan takes 8 wickets while India takes 5 in the final, it really won't matter if India's batting scores a bucketload of more runs than Pakistan's.

 

[PakLFC]

No, no sour grapes. There is a world outside chatboard trollfights. I didn't read any spite in his comment, unlike yours. He was asked his opinion and gave it. No one fundamentally disagrees. Other than when they play Pakistan I wish nothing but well to Bangladesh, who have been improving by leaps and bounds in recent years.

I am also entitled to call it sour grapes neither did I make any personal remarks against him so what spite are you on about?. I would have not had a problem had he said India are better but calling them "far ahead" seems to be jealousy on his part. To bad his "improving Bangladesh" could only muster up one win in the entire tournament against a NZ side who would whoop them hard 9 out of 10 times.

 

[Varun]

Fantastic from Bashar. Well done!

Oye BCCI! Give him an IPL commentary contract pronto!

 

[New Yorker]

I am also entitled to call it sour grapes neither did I make any personal remarks against him so what spite are you on about?. I would have not had a problem had he said India are better but calling them "far ahead" seems to be jealousy on his part. To bad his "improving Bangladesh" could only muster up one win in the entire tournament against a NZ side who would whoop them hard 9 out of 10 times.

You are just making yourself look silly. What pleasure do you get from belittling others? He was speaking the simple truth and there is nothing wrong in acknowledging it. India is far ahead of Pakistan in cricket. Doesn't mean we can't win tomorrow but we are talking about performance on balance in recent years. The gap is vast.

 

[PakLFC]

You are just making yourself look silly. What pleasure do you get from belittling others? He was speaking the simple truth and there is nothing wrong in acknowledging it. India is far ahead of Pakistan in cricket. Doesn't mean we can't win tomorrow but we are talking about performance on balance in recent years. The gap is vast.

Stop your self righteous rubbish! No India is better not far ahead of Pakistan otherwise we would not be in the final. India is far better in batting but we are in the bowling department as has been proved in the last few matches. Yes, I truly do believe that not all but some Banngladeshi players are jealous.