Last Update on: September 11th, 2023 at 10:58 am
Veteran India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik was impressed with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s batting approach in the Super Four clash against Pakistan. Dinesh Karthik highlighted that Indian openers showed positive intent against Pakistan pacers in swinging conditions.
Indian openers got off to a flying start after being asked to bat first at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, September 10. The batting pair added a 100-run partnership in just 13.3 overs. However, Shadab Khan broke the 121-run partnership by dismissing Rohit Sharma.
The Conditions Suited Fast Bowling – Dinesh Karthik
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik expressed that Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill‘s batting against Shaheen Afridi would be a concern for Pakistan. Karthik mentioned the challenge of picking Afridi’s slower delivery, highlighting that he deceived Indian batters twice.
“The way Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill batted vs Shaheen Afridi, will worry Pakistan. I think the conditions suited fast bowling at the start of the innings, but India called the shots,” Karthik told Cricbuzz.
“It becomes tough as a batter to pick Shaheen Afridi’s slower delivery because of his wrist flick. Second time Shaheen Shah Afridi has deceived an Indian batter,” Karthik further added.
Shaheen Afridi, who proved early breakthroughs against India last time, struggled to trouble Indian batters. He conceded 31 runs in his first three overs, without picking a wicket. However, he dismissed Shubman Gill with a slower delivery in his second spell.
Shaheen Afridi Was Totally Off Colour – Waqar Younis
Waqar Younis commented on Shaheen Afridi’s performance, stating that he was not at his best with the new ball. He highlighted that the Pakistan team did not utilize the short ball and bouncers effectively.
“Shaheen was totally off colour with the new ball. Nobody in the Pakistan team line-up tried to bowl the short ball and the bouncers. The swing as there – Naseem showed it from the other end,” Waqar Younis told Star Sports.
“If you bowl in the right areas, you will trouble the batters. But Shaheen has to think hard, even in the previous match, although he bowled a brilliant 10 overs, he was off colour and tried too hard today and gave away easy boundaries.”
The Rohit Sharma-led team scored 147 runs for the loss of two wickets in 24.1 overs before the rain interruption. Virat Kohli (8) and KL Rahul (17) remained unbeaten at the crease. The match is set to resume on schedule on the reserve day, Monday.