‘This Indian bowling attack might struggle against top teams’: PAK star makes bold claim

The Indian bowling attack spearheaded by Mohammed Shami produced a top-notch show against New Zealand in the second ODI played at Raipur on Saturday.

The Indian bowling attack spearheaded by Mohammed Shami produced a top-notch show against New Zealand in the second ODI played at Raipur on Saturday. After inviting New Zealand to bat first, the hosts wrapped their innings in 34.3 overs as they could only manage a paltry 108 on the board. India then comfortably chased down the target in just 20.1 overs, and won the contest by eight wickets.

Despite the clinical show, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal feels that the Indian bowling line-up will “struggle” good tracks. He also suggested that India's attack can be more lethal if they find a way to “accommodate” Umran Malik in the playing XI. Akmal made the comment in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

“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," said Akmal.

“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," he added.

Akmal also spoke on the ongoing series between India and New Zealand, where Rohit Sharma and Co. have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead. Akmal feels that India should aim 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 Akmal.

India had won the series opener by 12 runs. The final ODI will be played in Indore on Tuesday.