Asia Cup 2023

‘It will be exciting to see…’ – Former India cricketer points out key matchup for India vs Pakistan reserve day in Aisa Cup 2023

For the second time in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan was interrupted by rain. When the two met in the group stage at Pallekale, rain played spoilsport after the first innings and forced the match referee to abandon the game. On Sunday (September 8), the arch-rivals clashed in the Super Fours stage, but again rain had the final say and the game was moved to Reserve Day.

If rain god shows some mercy on Monday, India will resume at 147/2 in 24.1 overs. After being put into bat first at the R Premdasa Stadium, India openers provided a blistering start for Team India with a 121-run partnership. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill scored half-centuries, but both departed soon in quick succession. When play resumes the focus will be on Virat Kohli (8* off 16), who got out cheaply in their opening game.

The former India skipper was dismissed for just four runs off seven balls by Shaheen Shah Afridi. Kohli is up against the Pakistan pace sensation once again and fans will be hoping to see a dominant performance from the veteran batter this time. Speaking to Star Sports, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif pointed out that Kohli-Shaheen will be a key matchup on the reserve day. He also advised the Indian batters to play an attacking game against Pakistan bowlers.

“Shaheen will continue to bring the ball in, bowling his inswing. Whatever the batsman wants to do, let him, his game plan is straightforward – bring the ball in, hit the pad and hit the stumps. So it will be exciting to see Virat Kohli in the form he is in to take him on; it is the most key matchup of the game. What makes Virat special is his ability to play in the big matches, and he won’t play on the back foot. Naseem Shah, Afridi or Rauf, whoever is bowling, don’t play on the backfoot. If you get the chance, even on the first ball, look for the boundary”, Kaif said.

If the senior players, fans don’t like it at all: Kaif

The 42-year-old added that people have high expectations of senior players like Kohli and Rohit and fans will be disappointed if they fail to perform. Kaif is hopeful that Kohli will score big today as his record against Pakistan is incredible.

“Overcoming challenges is one of Virat’s best qualities. That has become his habit. It’s a big match, and his record against Pakistan is great. And people have high expectations of him. For newer players, as it is a big game, the expectations are not as high. But if the senior players, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, fail, the fans don’t like it at all. There is no compromise on that; they have to perform with the bat and continue their form for the past two or three years and perform well at the World Cup also,” he further added.