By Zainab Shafiq 
Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has unveiled his strategy with the new ball as Pakistan gears up to face India at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka. This highly-anticipated clash marks the first 50-over encounter between the arch-rivals since the 2019 World Cup, a tournament where Pakistan’s blues emerged victorious.
Afridi, aged 23, is widely regarded as one of the world’s top bowlers, particularly dangerous with the new ball, consistently dismantling stumps over the past few years. His most recent clashes with India occurred during the T20 World Cups in 2022 and 2023.
Speaking to the official broadcasters of the Asia Cup, Shaheen shared insights into his game plan with the new ball, saying, “I believe all the opening batsmen are well aware of my game plan. It’s always my priority to secure an early breakthrough for my team because dismissing an opener increases pressure on the remaining batters.”
He emphasized that middle-order batsmen typically struggle against the new ball, making it crucial to take early wickets. In Pakistan’s Asia Cup opener against Nepal, the 23-year-old demonstrated his effectiveness with the new ball by sending two Nepali batsmen back to the pavilion.
One of the most anticipated face-offs will be between Afridi and Rohit Sharma, who has had difficulties facing left-arm pacers, especially those from Pakistan. Their encounters in the T20 World Cups of 2021 and 2022 witnessed Afridi consistently troubling Sharma, a trend to watch in the upcoming match.
Pakistan enters the contest in red-hot form, having defeated Nepal convincingly in their Asia Cup opener and recently clinching the top spot in the ODI rankings by whitewashing Afghanistan 3-0 in a series just before the Asian event. In contrast, this will be India’s inaugural match in the tournament, with some players facing Pakistan for the first time ever.
News Editor