August 31st 2023.
The much-awaited Indo-Pak clash is almost here and Indian fans are getting ready for Super Saturday in Kandy, Sri Lanka. India will obviously look to extend their dominance after their T20 World Cup victory in 2022. However, they will have to face Pakistan's world-class players with the skill and experience to rival India's best cricketers.
The Pakistanis are a force to be reckoned with in ODI cricket, even during their lowest times, due to their powerful pace attack. But the biggest strength of their team is skipper and batting sensation Babar Azam.
Babar's batting abilities are widely acknowledged across the world, and his international records speak for themselves. He has an incredible ODI record, with 5202 runs from 103 matches, an average of 58.45 and a strike rate of 88.82. He has 18 centuries and 28 fifties to his name, showcasing his ability to build big innings when he gets going. India would be hoping he doesn't put on a big performance against them in the Asia Cup or World Cup.
Fakhar Zaman is another name that is not particularly pleasant for Indian fans. Memories of the 2017 Champions Trophy final, the infamous Jasprit Bumrah no-ball, and Zaman's hundred that resulted in India's defeat still linger in their minds. Zaman is a big-match player, and India must have strategies to stop him. Bumrah will have the chance to make up for the 2017 match, and the rest of the pack will also be looking to take him out.
Shadab Khan is a Ravindra Jadeja-type of player in the Pakistan ranks. His bowling and batting abilities have greatly improved in the last five years. He can bowl quick spells and keep it tight, and break up partnerships with regular intervals. His ODI bowling record speaks for itself, with 77 wickets in 59 matches, an economy of 5.11 and an average of 32.18.
Shaheen Shah Afridi can move the ball both ways and is a Pakistani missile India will have to deal with early on in the innings. The ball that comes in usually gets the better of Indian batsmen, and Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli are all aware of that. India should look to see him off and target someone else, and formulating plans against him would be wise.
Naseem Shah is another young and fast pacer. His stump-to-stump line, combined with great pace, can rattle even the best of Indian batsmen. He has a big heart and can keep probing batsmen and asking questions, even when they hit him for boundaries or sixes. What makes Naseem even more valuable is his batting ability. His potential to hit fours and sixes in the last few overs can be invaluable. India will have to be careful when facing him in the Asia Cup.
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