Legendary pacer Wasim Akram has picked Virat Kohli as the better batter over current Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and also chose between Shaheen Afridi and Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the India and Pakistan tie in Asia Cup 2023.
The two archrivals will clash on September 2 in Kandy, Sri Lanka, and Babar has already gotten off to a grand start with a knock of 151 against Nepal in the tournament opener on August 30. This was his 19th ODI century and his second score of 150-plus.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli holds the record for the highest individual score in the Asia Cup- 183 which came against Pakistan in the 2012 edition.
Akram was asked to pick the better batter between the two and despite knowing that he might face criticism from Pakistani fans, he picked Kohli, although hailing Babar as a "modern-day great".
"It is a very difficult decision, that is why I don't become a selector. I'll probably get a lot of slack back home, but I will pick Virat Kohli over Babar Azam. Babar is on the way, there is no doubt. He is one of the modern greats, but it will take some time. He will catch up, but it will take time," Akram said on Fox Sports.
Another exciting face-off in the India vs. Pakistan tie will be between Jasprit Bumrah and Shaheen Afridi. Both are the premier bowlers of their sides and have a knack of picking early wickets.
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Asked to pick between the two amazing pacers, Akram picked the left-armer. While he was full of praise for his bowling, Akram also hailed his batting abilities as well.
"I will choose Shaheen Shah Afridi over Jasprit Bumrah. Being a left-arm pacer, he reminds me of Starc, both of them bowl early on and they pitch it full and go for the wickets. That is what I like about him. He has a bright future ahead of him as long as he is clear of serious injuries. He has improved his batting as well at No.9 and No.10, he can come in and whack a couple of sixes. He is a genuine wicket taker and that is why I believe that he is one of the most important members of the team," Akram continued.
Shaheen started well, picking up 2/27 against Nepal in Pakistan’s 238-run win.
