Asia Cup 2023: Rashid Latif Gives ‘Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’ Warning To Pakistan, But Backs Babar Azam & Co. To Beat India

Former Pakistan National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif has given a massive ‘Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’ warning to the Men In Green ahead of the Asia Cup 2023. However, he has backed the Babar Azam-led side to beat the Men In Blue in the Asia Cup 2023.

India National Cricket Team and Pakistan National Cricket Team will lock horns in the Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday, September 2, in the 3rd match of the event at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.

Speaking to Cricket Pakistan ahead of the match, Rashid Latif said that Team India have been struggling with their middle order for quite some time and Pakistan have a wonderful chance of defeating them in the Asia Cup and winning the championship.

“Pakistan have a great chance. They have a very potent fast bowling unit. However, it gets neutralised on turning pitches. When it comes to batting, the performances of Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, and Babar Azam have been very good. Then there are Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz. These guys seem to be automatic choices for Pakistan,” he said.

“When you look at India or the other teams, they are struggling. India are struggling with their middle order. I believe Pakistan have a wonderful chance, and they should win the tournament by giving others a tough fight.“

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli play at a better strike rate than our top-order – Rashid Latif

Rashid Latif further spoke about the weaknesses of Team Pakistan. He said that the top-order batters don’t score runs at a good strike rate and the team lack power-hitting batters in the death overs. The former wicketkeeper-batter also feels that Pakistan spinners have not been successful in the middle overs.

“Our batters are a bit slow during the powerplay, and we don’t have power hitters for the death overs,” Latif said.

“While we are very good with the ball in the powerplay, the main issue is the phase between the 11th and the 40th over. Our spinners haven’t been able to take wickets in that period, be it Shadab Khan or Mohammad Nawaz.”

Meanwhile, Latif further said that premier India batters Rohit and Virat can play big knocks for their side, and that too with a better strike rate than Pakistan batters.

“India, on the other hand, are very strong in the middle overs. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are capable of playing big knocks, and they play at a better strike rate than our top-order batters, which gives India an advantage,” he added.