Legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram showered praise on Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his exceptional performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final. India dominated Sri Lanka in the summit clash, securing their eighth continental title by ten wickets. Hardik Pandya’s remarkable spell in the championship game, where he claimed three crucial wickets (Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, and Matheesha Pathirana), contributed to Sri Lanka’s dismissal for a mere 50 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, the star pacers, had already dismantled Sri Lanka’s top and middle order. Wasim Akram hailed Hardik Pandya as India’s “main weapon” in the upcoming 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, set to be held in India from October 5 to November 19. He expressed confidence in India’s prospects and emphasized their status as favorites, especially given their home advantage.

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“He (Hardik Pandya) is their main weapon in the upcoming World Cup, and India are one of the favorite teams to win it. For starters, they are playing at home, and we have seen what they can do with the ball,” Wasim Akram commented during an interview with Star Sports.

Akram also extended his compliments to star spinner Kuldeep Yadav for his outstanding performance in the Asia Cup. Given India’s successful campaign in the tournament, he noted that the Indian team has solidified its roster, indicating that the management has been supportive in ensuring the team has the right squad ahead of the World Cup.

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“Kuldeep got wickets as well against the big sides in the Asia Cup. So, it’s a complete side. So, well done to the Indian think tank, which has been supporting these boys and making sure that they have the proper squad before the World Cup,” Wasim Akram added.