Former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed said Hardik Pandya could be the difference maker when India and Pakistan meet in Asia Cup 2022 as the Babar Azam-led side doesn’t have an all-rounder like him. Javed pointed out that both India and Pakistan boast a formidable top-order but what differentiates India from Pakistan is a strong middle-order that has all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
While Pakistan does have an edge in the overall head-to-head stats, things are different when it comes to the Asia Cup, with India holding a 7-5 advantage over their rivals in 13 matches.
“The difference between the two teams lies in their batting,” Javed told Paktv.tv.
“India’s batting is still more experienced. If a batter like Rohit Sharma clicks, he can single-handedly win the match for India. Similarly with Fakhar Zaman. If he plays with control, he can win the match for Pakistan. But the middle-order line-up of India and Pakistan, that’s the difference. Also their all-rounder, makes a difference. Because Pakistan does not have a Hardik Pandya like all-rounder.”