The dominance of Pakistan was so overwhelming that the phrase "they can't play him" started trending on various social media platforms.
The "They can't play him" trend resurfaced with a vengeance as Shaheen Shah Afridi once again unleashed havoc upon India's batters in the Asia Cup Group A match held in Pallekele. With the new ball in hand, Shaheen swiftly dismissed India's captain Rohit Sharma (11) and the mighty Virat Kohli (4), leaving them reeling. But he didn't stop there. Shaheen returned to claim the prized scalps of Hardik Pandya (87) and the versatile Ravindra Jadeja (14), finishing with remarkable figures of 4/35. Unfortunately, the match was cut short due to rain, preventing Pakistan from completing their chase.
Nevertheless, there was ample evidence that the Pakistan pacers had the upper hand over their Indian counterparts. Astonishingly, all 10 Indian wickets were claimed by the formidable trio of Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, showcasing their undeniable dominance.
The dominance of Pakistan was so overwhelming that the phrase "they can't play him" started trending on various social media platforms. This phenomenon emerged after Afridi's exceptional performance in dismantling India's top-order during the T20 World Cup in 2021. Even prominent figures like former Pakistan Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and former pacer Wahab Riaz, took to their respective X (formerly Twitter) handles to use this phrase.
With the highly anticipated Super 4 match against India approaching, Pakistani fans are eagerly hoping for a repetition of Afridi's remarkable feat. In light of this crucial encounter, Mohammad Rizwan, the talented Pakistani keeper-batter, was questioned about the same. However, Rizwan responded with utmost grace and sophistication, showcasing his class and composure.
"Our fast bowlers have played a crucial role in taking us to the No.1 spot. And the three fast bowlers we are talking about, they are not just going to pose difficulty for the Indian top-order but for every team. They are gifted bowlers. And if you look at our bench strength, that is also very good and that is why we have risen to the top," he told a group of journalists when asked about the “they can't play him” trend.
The Pakistan batters were unfortunately deprived of the chance to showcase their skills during the group match against India. However, Rizwan confidently asserts that they have meticulously devised their strategies to counter India's formidable bowling line-up, spearheaded by the exceptional Jasprit Bumrah.
"Their batters also haven't faced our bowlers a lot. They lost early wickets but they put close to 270 on the board. Similarly, we will also have plans when their bowlers will come up against us. India have a good bowling attack, some of the world's best who will obviously challenge us. But as professionals, we should be ready with the answers," Rizwan added.
READ| Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan announce playing XI against India for Super 4 clash
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 "Image Source: Twitter")
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