'India's C side can beat current Pakistan team': S Sreesanth hits back at Mickey Arthur

The India-Pakistan match is long gone, but statements, debates and comments continue. After Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur said that the World Cup feels more like a BCCI event as opposed to an ICC tournament, he went on to assert that his side Pakistan will once again take on India in the final of the ongoing event. World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table This bold prediction has not gone down too well with former India pacer S Sreesanth who said that as things stand, even India’s C side can beat Pakistan. Speaking to Sportskeeda, Sreesanth said, “Mickey Arthur said we’ll meet in the final. I don’t think Pakistan can ever beat India in an ICC trophy or in any other event considering the team they have. Even our C team can beat Pakistan’s main XI. Make an IPL XI of players who are not playing, even they can defeat the Pakistan team.”

During this match in the 2023 World Cup, Pakistan’s batting was dismantled by India as they were bundled out for 191 runs within 43 overs. This after they were in a good position at 155/2 in the 30th over. However, a collective effort from Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav triggered an unbelievable collapse as Pakistan lost their last eight wickets for just 36 runs. Sreesanth further added, “Pakistan cannot even dream of playing in such a big stadium. We gave them a chance, but if you play like that, you won’t get such chances again.” Having won two out of three matches, Babar Azam-led Pakistan would want to bounce back and get back to winning ways when they take on five-time champions Australia on Friday. However, ahead of their match against Australia, the Pakistan camp has been been hit by a viral outbreak, resulting in multiple players suffering from flu and high fever. Although most are recovering, few players were absent from the optional training session on Tuesday. Abdullah Shafique was kept in isolation while pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Zaman Khan have been impacted by the flu. Also, middle order batter Saud Shakeel is currently impacted by the illness.