Wahab Riaz, the former Pakistan bowler, believes that Team India’s ability to deal with the Shaheen Afridi-led Pakistani new-ball assault might be crucial during their Asia Cup 2023 match.
In their 2021 T20 World Cup match against India, Afridi was just fantastic. Since then, a lot of discussion has focused on how difficult it will be to defend against the Men in Blue each time they meet Pakistan.
However, Wahab Riaz explained to Zalmi TV how India may continue to manoeuvre around Shaheen Afridi’s threat during ODIs. Shaheen Shah Afridi has been a threat to India for the longest time possible. Wahab Riaz said, “Shaheen has always been an impact bowler and not just India, he has troubled most of his opponents with the new ball. But T20 cricket and one-day cricket are different.”
“Pakistan bowling vs Indian batting will be an interesting contest.” : Wahab Riaz
Wahab Riaz added that India would look to deal with the new ball threat. He said, “In T20s, you have to attack and try and score runs. But in one-day cricket, you can survive the new ball phase and then accelerate. So I feel it’s more about how India strategically negotiates the new ball threat and then they will get the opportunity to score runs.”
Wahab Riaz believes that due to the qualities he offers to the table, Haris Rauf, in addition to Shaheen Afridi, might be a vital bowler for Pakistan. Riaz believes Jasprit Bumrah’s return is essential for India.
He said, “Pakistan have to think about what if Shaheen’s new ball threat is negotiated and that’s where I feel Haris Rauf will be important. He has pace and gets bounce. It’s all about how India handles pressure against the Pakistan bowling attack as they have all the shots. Pakistan bowling vs Indian batting will be an interesting contest.”
He also heaped praise about the Indian team skipper ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash. He said, “Pakistan need to plan against Rohit Sharma. He’s a consistent run scorer against Pakistan.”
Fans react to Wahab Riaz heaping praise about Rohit Sharma ahead of Asia Cup 2023:
Wahab Riaz said, "Pakistan need to plan against Rohit Sharma. He's a consistent run scorer against Pakistan". (Zalmi TV). pic.twitter.com/kupxnwuHVT
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 1, 2023
???? pic.twitter.com/oKzkQtkvAZ
— SANJU? (@KOHLIverse17) September 1, 2023
Eagle pehle he over mai Rohit ko khaa jaega! ?
— Wali Rehman (@walirehman903) September 1, 2023
Rohit Sharma to score 109 tomorrow and India will win. Mark this tweet. ?
— Sunny ? (@being_sunny1) September 1, 2023
Wo log aisa kehte bhi hai ya Muffa kuch bhi likha raha apni taraf se
— Gareeboo (@GareeboOP) September 1, 2023
Yeah we saw his consistency in last 3 years ???
— ?????????????™ (@Itzshreyas07) September 1, 2023
