Basit Ali names his Pakistan, India lineups for World Cup match

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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has named his best Pakistan and Indian teams post 1992, if they were to take part in a hypothetical One-day International (ODI) World Cup match taking place at the Gabba, Brisbane.

While picking his Pakistan team first in a YouTube video, the former cricketer made the selection of wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal as an opener to partner the elegant left-hander Saeed Anwar.

“Saeed Anwar was a top class player and could score anywhere in the world,” Basit said. “People might question the selection of Kamran Akmal but he is a really good player on the back foot and is ideal considering this match will take place in Brisbane.”

Former Pakistan batting greats Mohammad Yousaf and Inzamamul Haq were slotted in at number four and five positions, respectively to form a solid middle-order with current batting sensation Babar Azam.

“Babar Azam is my third pick as he will break all batting records of Pakistan,” he said. “Mohammad Yousuf would bat at four, who was an elegant batsman. Inzamam would bat at number five as he will be part of my all-time Pakistan XI as well and not just an XI post 1992.”

“Shahid Afridi will come at six as he can provide big hitting and bowl leg-spin,” he added.

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Finally, the 49-year-old picked Wasim Akram to lead the side and chose a formidable bowling attack to challenge the strong Indian batting.

“Wasim Akram, who would also be my captain, is at seven and if ever there is an all-time World XI made, he will be part of it,” he said. “I will go with Shoaib Akhtar at number eight because of his pace and ability to reverse swing. Abdul Razzaq would come at nine and can hit lower down the order and bowl medium pace. My spinner would be, the founder of doosra,Saqlain Mushtaq. For the last position, I thought of Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif as well, but decided to go with Waqar Younis.” 

Meanwhile, former captain Sourav Ganguly was chosen to lead the Indian side, who Basit believes was the best captain the Men in Blue ever had.

Former Pakistan cricketer decided to demote Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from their usual batting positions, in order to accommodate the legendary opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.

In the end, batting legend Javed Miandad and former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad were selected to coach their respective country’s team.

Pakistan Team post 1992

Saeed Anwar, Kamran Akmal (wk), Babar Azam, Mohammad Yousaf, Inzamamul Haq, Shahid Afridi, Wasim Akram (C), Shoaib Akhtar, Abdul Razzaq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Waqar Younis, Ijaz Ahmed (12th man)

Coach: Javed Miandad

Indian Team post 1992

Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Sourav Ganguly (C), MS Dhoni (wk), Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuvraj Singh (12th man)

Coach: Anshuman Gaekwad