At the much awaited Asia Cup 2023, cricketing heavyweights India and Pakistan will renew their bitter rivalry in one-day internationals. With both teams being placed in Group A, there could potentially be three meetings between them during the tournament. If both teams advance to the Super Fours, they will face off there as well, which might set up a final if they place in the top two.
The likely return of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj is expected to strengthen India’s pace attack as they get ready for the challenge. While Shami and Siraj, who were absent during the recently finished ODIs against West Indies, are anticipated to enhance India’s potent bowling arsenal, Bumrah, who recovered from a back injury, will return in the T20I series against Ireland later this week.
Abdullah Shafique, a Pakistani batter, yet maintains his confidence while being questioned about the Asia Cup matchup with India. Shafique is unfazed by the thought of facing off against India’s potent fast bowling lineup and instead relies on Pakistan’s own net sessions, where he competes against the top-tier of the nation’s pace sensations, including Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.
For Shafique, these internal battles serve as the best form of training, guaranteeing that he is ready to face the top players in cricket. The Pakistani hitter was questioned regarding the match against India and whether facing the Indian bowling attack would be any harder now that Bumrah has returned.
“During practice sessions, Haris, Naseem, and Shaheen are always opponents for you in the nets. Do you find it simple to compete against the opposing bowlers then? Especially if you discuss India… since it appears that Jasprit Bumrah will also return for the Asia Cup,” a reporter questioned Shafique during a media event.
Shafique downplayed any difficulties. Our bowling attack is quite effective—the greatest in the entire world. We confront them (Shaheen, Haris, and Naseem) in the nets and contend with their difficult spells. And that boosts our confidence and aids in our planning. We are clearly more confident while facing the bowlers of the opposition if we are performing well against them, according to the Pakistani teenager.
On September 2, India and Pakistan will square off in Kandy, with Nepal making up the third squad in Group A. Both teams will compete against one another on October 14 in Ahmedabad at the ODI World Cup.
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