England’s former all-rounder Moeen Ali believes there is a huge difference between India and Pakistan after the former clinched a statement win against the latter in the ongoing T20 World Cup. India claimed a 61-run win after Pakistan were bowled out for 116 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday in the run-chase of 176.
Ali noted that India was able to handle the pressure of the big match better than Pakistan and it was palpable on the ground. The former KKR all-rounder said the difference between India and Pakistan cricket is significant.
“I thought this game would have been the closest in a long time. Pakistan had good spinners. Playing in Sri Lanka would have suited them. But India are so far ahead. It is like chalk and cheese, you can’t even compare at the moment. I think they just handled the whole occasion so much better. They are used to big crowds, big games, they just handled the pressure so much more easier,” he said on the ‘Beard Before Wicket’ podcast.
Ali highlighted there is a huge difference between the technique of Indian and Pakistan batters.
“The technique between both teams in batting is chalk and cheese. There is a big difference. Indian batters’ technique, and I have said this from the start, is unbelievable. They have the best technique. They are simple. They just play good shots, even when they are smacking it. You look at the way the Pakistan players were playing, across the line, even head positions and all those things. There is a massive difference,” he explained.
The former England white-ball vice-captain slammed Pakistan for their mundane performance. Ali said Pakistan had the advantage as they had played their first two matches in Sri Lankan conditions.
“Pakistan had more in their favor. India had to fly to Sri Lanka. They had to prepare on different wickets but no complaining, nothing. Pakistan have to learn from this. I think they are not playing the right team. They can change it up a bit. I think the coach has to take more responsibility. You have to get the best out of the players. You have to get the selection right with the captain. The gap can’t be that big, especially on that wicket,” he said.
India will next take on the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Wednesday.
