Pakistan spearhead Shaheen Afridi bagged 4 wickets in the much-awaited clash against India in Asia Cup 2023 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.
The 16th edition of the Asia Cup tournament is scheduled to play between August – September and will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Asia Cup 2023 will also be the first of its kind to be co-hosted by multiple countries.
Shaheen on His Bowling Against India in Asia Cup 2023
As per the Asia Cup 2023 schedule, India and Pakistan were scheduled to clash on September 2 in Pallekele. Four matches of the Asia Cup 2023 will be played in Pakistan while the remaining nine matches of the tournament will be played in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan who played the tournament opener match against Nepal registered a massive 238 runs defeat and holds the top of the points table. As of their first encounter, Pakistan named their playing 11 much earlier and showed a strong positive approach against India.
Shaheen dismissed 4 key batters of the Indian cricket team. He dismissed Rohit Sharma(11), Virat Kohli(4), Hardik Pandya(87) and Ravindra Jadeja(14) and proved his importance in the game.
Speaking in his impressive performance against India, Shaheen said “That was our plan with the new ball. I think both (Virat and Rohit) were crucial wickets, every batter is the same for me. But I think I liked Rohit’s wicket better. The plans by our fast bowlers worked. Naseem is bowling at 150 kph, really happy with that, he’s really fast. The new ball might swing and seam, but nothing much after that. It will be easier to score runs once the ball gets old (in the run chase)”.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Babar Azam opened on losing the toss where they were forced to bowl first while they were planned to bat first. On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer expressed his feelings about playing for India in Asia Cup 2023.
After winning the toss, the Indian skipper decides to bat first. Unable to withstand the Pakistan bowler’s aggressive bowling attack, the Indian top order collapsed for just 66 runs.
After losing 4 wickets for 66, Ishan Kishan and Hardik made a crucial partnership and led India to score beyond the 200 runs mark. Haris Rauf broke the partnership by dismissing Kishan for 82 runs while Shaheen Afridi dismissed Hardik Pandya while India scored 239 runs. At the end of 48.5 overs, India scored 266 runs and lost all their wickets.
