PAK vs AFG: Virat Kohli, Babar Azam Are Role Models For Aspiring Cricketers – Afghanistan Coach Umar Gul

Afghanistan National Cricket Team bowling coach Umar Gul, who is a former Pakistan National Cricket Team pacer, said that the Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and former India captain Virat Kohli are “role models for aspiring cricketers” and the youngsters learn from them.

Match 4 of the Asia Cup 2022 Super 4 round will see the clash between Babar Azam-led Pakistan National Cricket Team (A2) and Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan National Cricket Team (B2) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, September 7.

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Addressing a press conference on the eve of the match between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Tuesday, Afghanistan bowling coach Umar Gul said that Babar Azam is a top-class player and Pakistan are heavily dependent on him. He added that the 27-year-old not performing well against Afghanistan will be advantageous for Mohammad Nabi and Co.

“Babar is a top player, the team is dependent on him. If he performs a good foundation is laid which takes the pressure off the middle order. I also wish him good luck so that he does score runs because players like him and Virat are watched by a lot of youngsters. They are role models for aspiring cricketers and they learn from them.

“It’s great to watch players like them bat. Babar has not performed in the past 2-3 matches, Virat is also searching for top-form but these players are technically sound, and will not take long to gain form and score runs. If Babar does not perform well in the match it will definitely be advantageous for Afghanistan,” he said.

We have planned for Babar and Rizwan, hopeful our players can execute them – Umar Gul

Gul further said that the Afghanistan players can definitely trouble Team Pakistan in the crucial Super 4 game. He added that they have also made special plans to deal with the threat of Pakistan’s dangerous opening duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar. He said:

“Feeling is good in the team, Afghanistan has played great cricket and we can give tough time to Pakistan. We have planned for Babar and Rizwan, hopeful our players can execute them.”

Umar Gul also defended the performance of the Afghan pacers in the Super 4 match against Sri Lanka, where the Mohammad Nabi-led side faced a defeat. He said:

“The bowling was not that bad. We missed a few chances which proved to be critical.”

The Afghanistan coach further gave an update on the fitness of all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, who missed out on the game against Sri Lanka. Gul said:

“Azmat is a good bowler and important for us. He is skiddy and generates good pace, bowls well in the middle overs and we missed his services in the last match. Hope he passes the fitness test to play. We are checking his fitness test as he practised yesterday and today.”

Former Pakistan pace bowler also stated his strategy against Rizwan and Babar. He asserted:

“They are good players but we have plans for them, mistakes will be rectified from the previous match and it will be a good contest between the teams.”

Also Read: Pakistan vs Afghanistan Weather Forecast And Pitch Report of Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah – Asia Cup 2022, Super 4, Match 4

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