The Indian cricket team is all set to lock horns against Pakistan on 2nd September (*Saturday) at Pallekele, Sri Lanka. Mohammad Kaif feels that Indian batters can’t afford to be complacent in the Asia Cup 2023. Mohammad Kaif pointed out that the battle between Indian batters & Pakistani bowlers would be a great one.
The stalwarts Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli will have to make sure that they bat deep and play impactful knocks; as we all know that KL Rahul is not available for selection for the first 2 matches. It would be interesting to see whether Sanju Samson gets a game that is the stand-by player or the rising sensation Tilak Verma makes his ODI debut against the arch-rivals.
Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf & Naseem Shah are good bowlers- Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif was having an interaction with Star Sports. Kaif pointed out that Indian batters will have to be watchful against the trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf & Naseem Shah. Pakistan’s pace attack can rattle the opposition on the given day as we can expect a cracker of a contest.
“The first game is against Pakistan. There’s Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah are good bowlers. It will be a big battle. The preparation is very good,” said Mohammad Kaif.
Enthralling contest on cards
It won’t be wrong to say that the contest between India & Pakistan will be an exhilarating one as both the teams are evenly matched and have dangerous bowling attacks. The Men in Blue will have to carefully negate the threat of the left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi during the powerplay overs.
All eyes will be on the lethal speedster Jasprit Bumrah who is making a comeback to the International arena after almost a year. He along with Shami & Siraj can form a deadly combination in the much anticipated Asia Cup 2023. It would be interesting to see how Hardik Pandya fares as the flamboyant all-rounder has recently improved his gameplan.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Hosts Pakistan Eye A Strong Start Against Nepal In Asia Cup Opener