Team India will play against arch-rivals Pakistan in their campaign opener in the upcoming T20 World Cup which at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23. For the longest time, the Men in Blue have had the upper hand over their neighbours in World Cups. However, last year, it changed as Pakistan registered a convincing win over India by 10 wickets in the UAE.
Meanwhile, Team India suffered a massive blow prior to the T20 World Cup as their key speedster Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out due to injury. Pakistan, on the other hand, received a boost in the form of Shaheen Africa, who troubled India last year in Dubai during the World Cup.
Shaheen, who missed the Asia Cup due to a knee injury, was added to Pakistan’s World Cup squad but he remains uncertain about the India match still. Speaking on the game, former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood feels that Pakistan will emerge victorious once again.
“Whenever there is an India vs Pakistan game, there is bound to be excitement. Pakistan’s bowling is strong but the batting needs to improve. India have endured a big loss as they are already without Bumrah. And upar se agar Shaheen fit ho jata hai aur khelta hai (if Shaheen Shah Afridi regains fitness and plays), our pace attack will bolster further,” Azhar was quoted saying by Cricket Pakistan.
“However, this time around, the wickets in Dubai were different. In Australia, the ball will come onto the bat better. It will be a good game, and given how mentally well Pakistan have been against India in recent games, I hope they will come out victorious again,” he added.
“Shaheen Afridi will not have any problem on his return” – Azhar Mahmood
Alhamdulillah, there is ease after every hardship.
Prayers requested. Can't wait to get started. 🇵🇰 https://t.co/rZkwT7MupH
— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) October 11, 2022
On the other hand, PCB chairman, Ramiz Raja recently gave a huge update on Shaheen as well, saying that the left-arm pacer feels he will ‘110 percent be match ready’. Alongside this, Mahmood also believes that whenever Shaheen Afridi comes back, he will return with full rhythm and intensity as well.
“Shaheen Afridi will not have any problem on his return to the team. The pacer also started bowling after recovering from injury, and if he completes his rehabilitation process properly, he will not have any problem. Hopefully, Shaheen will be able to bowl well like before. All Pakistanis, including me, are praying for him,” he concluded.
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