Asia Cup 2023: A cloud of disappointment hung over cricket fans globally when rain forced the abandonment of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2023 match between India and Pakistan. Originally set in Kandy, Sri Lanka, the match ended inconclusively, with both teams sharing points. India had posted a respectable score of 266, but Pakistan’s pace attack, led by star pacer Shaheen Afridi, managed to steal the limelight.
Opting to bat first, Team India had a tough time against Pakistan’s bowlers. Shaheen Afridi stood out with his exceptional performance, claiming four significant wickets. He dismantled India’s top order, sending skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back to the pavilion with just 27 runs on the scoreboard. Later, he claimed the wickets of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, showcasing his dominance.
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra didn’t hold back in praising Shaheen. He named the young pacer his “Player of the Match,” lauding him on his YouTube channel. According to Chopra, Afridi’s superb ability to swing the ball at pace makes him a standout performer. “The guy has class, and when he starts his run-up, it feels like he’s already taken the wicket,” Chopra added.
This detailed commendation by Chopra underlines the prowess of Shaheen as a formidable bowler. Even when other players like Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya made significant contributions, Chopra chose Shaheen as his star player. “Both Kishan and Pandya played pivotal roles in bringing India to a competitive position, but Afridi was spectacular,” he emphasized.
Asia Cup 2023: Aakash Chopra Points Out Indian Batsmen’s Problems With Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan entered this match on a high note, having thrashed Nepal by 238 runs in their opening match. Meanwhile, Team India is gearing up to face Nepal in their next game on Monday at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. While the abandonment of the India-Pakistan match leaves many questions unanswered, it sets the stage for more thrilling encounters in the tournament.
“We need to first talk about the Player of the Match even if it did not end up as a proper game. There are a lot of contenders. Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya played 80-odd run knocks, which took India to a position from where they could have fought. But my Player of the Match is Shaheen Shah Afridi,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“He opens you up at the start. The guy has class and swings the ball at a good pace. At the moment, it seems like he is staying rent-free in our minds because when he starts his run-up, I don’t know what the batters think, but we feel that he will hit the pads or dismiss the batter,” he added.
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The disruption by rain didn’t just put a damper on the match itself but also robbed fans of what could have been an electrifying showdown between two cricketing giants. Nevertheless, Shaheen Afridi’s remarkable performance remains the silver lining. He not only established himself as a force to be reckoned with but also served notice to upcoming opponents about the potency of Pakistan’s bowling attack.
