IND vs PAK: "If It Is A Pakistan And India Game, It Is No Fun If It Is A One-Sided Game" - Salman Butt
Published - 02 Sep 2023, 12:10 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:18 AM
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Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt expressed his belief that the Babar Azam-led team holds an advantage over India in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 match. Salman Butt emphasized Shaheen Afridi’s ability to pick early wickets in the match with the new ball.
The Men in Green will face the Rohit Sharma-led team in a Group A match of the Asia Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, September 2. The neighboring nations secured each one victory against the other during last year’s Asia Cup in the UAE.
Both Teams Have Great Credentials – Salman Butt
Speaking ahead of the India-Pakistan match, Salman Butt expressed the anticipation of an exciting match between Pakistan and India, emphasising that it wouldn’t be enjoyable if it turned out to be one-sided.
“When I say non-cricket reasons, I mean ifs and buts in selection, clarity in plans, available resources and current state of mind,” Butt said.
“But no doubt, both teams have great credentials and I expect a very good match. If it is a Pakistan and India game, it is no fun if it is a one-sided game,” he added.
The Babar Azam-led team is coming into the high-octane game against their archrivals after a massive 238-run win against Nepal in the tournament’s opener in Multan. Meanwhile, the Rohit Sharma-led team will play their first match of the event.
Virat Kohli Finishes Off Matches – Salman Butt
Salman Butt emphasised the importance of key players performing well in the India-Pakistan match, stating that their contributions would be crucial to helping the team win the match.
“The performance of key players on particular day is important. You can always expect out of the box performances from someone new but I think (the) key players will count.”
“Virat (Kohli) is the sort of a player who, once he settles down, has the ability to also make the other players bat through and he finishes off matches,” Butt added.
“(The) rest of the team is immensely talented. I am a big fan of Shubman Gill because he plays cricketing shots. I like such players. India’s bowling is not weak but some of them are coming back from injuries and some are rusty like Mohammad Shami,” he aded.
Shaheen Afridi Is A Special Bowler – Salman Butt
The former Pakistan opener lauded Shaheen Shah Afridi‘s exceptional accuracy as a bowler, especially his in-swinging yorkers in the early overs.
“Everyone knows Shaheen will bowl in-swing and he gets wickets regularly. He is a special bowler, he has (got) special trade,” he further added.
“He can bowl in-swinging yorkers at pace with the new ball (and) that is his hallmark. I have never seen any bowler bowl with such accuracy in first few overs.”
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Asia Cup 2023 IND vs PAK 2023 India National Cricket Team India vs Pakistan 2023 Pakistan national cricket team Salman Butt Shaheen Afridi Virat Kohli
