Vaughan and Akram Back Pakistan to Beat India in Test Cricket After New Zealand Defeat
India’s historic defeat by New Zealand highlighted vulnerabilities in their lineup, particularly against spin. The series began with India’s record-low total of 46 in Bengaluru, as New Zealand’s pacers exploited the conditions.
Former cricketers Michael Vaughan and Wasim Akram have weighed in on India’s recent Test series defeat to New Zealand, giving Pakistan the edge in a hypothetical Test series between the two nations on turning pitches.
India’s humiliating 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home raised eyebrows in the cricketing world, especially as it ended India’s remarkable 18-series unbeaten streak on home soil. Vaughan and Akram, speaking during commentary on the Australia vs Pakistan ODI match on November 4, pointed to Pakistan's current form and suggested that they could now have the upper hand against India on spin-friendly tracks.
Vaughan, expressing his desire for a Test series between India and Pakistan, commented, “Pakistan can now beat India on the turners,” referring to India’s struggles in handling spin bowling during the New Zealand series.
Akram, the former Pakistan captain, echoed Vaughan’s sentiment, stating that Pakistan would have a great chance to defeat India on spinning pitches. “It would be massive for the game, for both cricket-crazy nations,” said Akram. “Pakistan has a chance to beat India in Tests now on a spinning track, especially after India’s recent defeat to New Zealand.”
India’s historic defeat by New Zealand highlighted vulnerabilities in their lineup, particularly against spin. The series began with India’s record-low total of 46 in Bengaluru, as New Zealand’s pacers exploited the conditions. Although India attempted to counter with spin in the second Test, Mitchell Santner's 13-wicket performance helped New Zealand win by 113 runs. The series culminated in a stunning 25-run victory for New Zealand in the third Test, leaving India reeling.
Pakistan, meanwhile, recently found success against England on dry pitches, with spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali playing key roles in Pakistan’s 2-1 series victory. This form has led both Vaughan and Akram to suggest that Pakistan could now challenge India’s dominance on home soil in Test cricket.
