‘This Indian bowling attack might struggle against top teams’ – Former Pakistan opener’s bold statement on Indian bowlers

In the second One Day International between India and New Zealand, which was played in Raipur on Saturday, the Indian bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami, put on a standout performance. The hosts restricted New Zealand to 108 runs after allowing them to bat first, ending their innings in 34.3 overs. India won the match by eight wickets after easily chasing down the mark in just 20.1 overs.

Kamran Akmal, the former wicketkeeper-batter for Pakistan, believes that the Indian bowling lineup will “struggle” on good grounds despite their clinical performance. He added that if India could “accommodate” Umran Malik in the starting XI, their attack may be more deadly. The statement was made by Akmal in a video posted on his YouTube page.

The good thing about this Indian side is that they have won matches while both chasing and defending: Kamran Akmal

“This Indian bowling unit might struggle in conditions that are good for batting, especially against top teams. It is very important for India to accommodate Umran Malik in the playing XI. He is getting better and better and can surely prove to be a matchwinner. The bowling lineup will look very strong when Jasprit Bumrah returns,” Akmal said.

Akmal also discussed the current India vs. New Zealand series, in which Rohit Sharma and company have already seized a commanding 2-0 lead. According to Akmal, India should strive for a whitewash.

“India should look to whitewash New Zealand. The team is very high on confidence and the players look in a good rhythm. The good thing about this Indian side is that they have won matches while both chasing and defending. We have seen in the past that they prefer to chase. However, they want to tick all the boxes ahead of the World Cup,” said the former Pakistan cricketer.

India won the first game of the series by 12 runs. On Tuesday, the last ODI will be played in the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.