IND vs PAK: It Is A Best vs Best - Mohammad Kaif On Battle Between Virat Kohli And Babar Azam

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif opened up about the upcoming clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023. Kaif discussed the upcoming battles that will take place and emphasised the highly anticipated contest between two cricket legends, Virat Kohli and Babar Azam.

The match between India and Pakistan will take place on 2nd September in Kandy. It’ll be a best vs best no doubt as two of the heavyweights of Asia will be up against each other. It’ll be the first time the two teams will play since the T20 World Cup 2022.

Over the years the game of India and Pakistan is always known for the battle between the Indian batters and the Pakistan bowlers and this time around, it’ll be no different. The likes of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah will be up against Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli.

Mohammad Kaif talked about the Indian team and highlighted that batters need their experience to play against the swing of Shaheen Afridi. He believes that if openers play 3 or 4 overs, then the complexion of the game will be changed.

Mohammad Kaif also pointed out that the team needs to tackle the threat of the first three overs and that will be the big challenge for Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli.

While speaking to Star Sports, he explained: “You can practice all you want but on the day of the match, that experience of seeing Shaheen Afridi take his ball, do his swing, and his speed, cannot be recreated in practice.

“It is good to practice, of course, but that same impression cannot be made. You still need to make the effort, and try to figure out the technique but Shaheen Afridi throwing the ball, walking or running the distance can not be done at practice.

“Whenever India has lost it was in the first few overs after KL Rahul or Rohit Sharma got out. But I believe if they survive the 3rd or 4th over without losing a wicket, then the match is going to change.

“After that, you have a strong India team with Shreyas lyer, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja, who can finish well. The main role is the 3 overs as the bowl swings more, the team needs to tackle that. That’s their big challenge for the openers and Virat Kohli.”

IND vs PAK: It Is A Best vs Best – Mohammad Kaif On Battle Between Virat Kohli And Babar Azam

Going into the game the spotlight will be on Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. The two batters will be extremely crucial for their respective teams.

Mohammad Kaif feels that Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam will be a big match as two great batsmen will be seen facing each other.

He explained: “Virat Kohli is an in-form batsman and the two great batsmen will be seen facing each other. It is a best vs best where 57 is the batting average of Virat Kohli, and 59 is of Babar Azam.

“Oh god! Babar Azam has surpassed Kohli, so this is going to be a big match on September 2. If we analyse, there 94 is of Virat and 89 of Babar. In terms of centuries, as far as I know, Virat has 46 to his name and Babar has 19.

“However, Babar has played fewer matches and Virat has played more, but he has 46 centuries there!”

It remains to be seen who among Babar Azam and Virat Kohli will score the most runs in the upcoming much-anticipated game between India and Pakistan.