Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has taken aim at Rohit Sharma and co. ahead of the IND vs PAK clash on September 10. While talking in the pre-match press conference, Babar claimed that his side holds an edge over the Men in Blue due to them playing in Sri Lanka conditions for the last couple of months.
While fans feel like Babar Azam has taken an unwarranted shot at the Indian side, his comments are more true than false. The Pakistani side has been in Sri Lanka since July. They played a 2-match test series in July, followed by the Lanka Premier League and a 3-match ODI series against Afghanistan in August.
“Given the continuous cricket we are playing both in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, you can say that we hold an edge (over India),” said Babar.
“We have been playing here in Sri Lanka for the past two months or so. We have played Tests, we played a series against Afghanistan and then the LPL… So it can be said that we have an advantage.”
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Skipper Babar had decided to let go of a more lucrative deal with the MLC (Major League Cricket) to play in the LPL to prepare for the Asia Cup and the World Cup.
“We always knew the schedule and how much we have to travel. So, it’s become important how we look after our players. We have planned everything well,” he added.
Also Read: Babar Azam set to crush Virat Kohli unique record in IND vs PAK Asia Cup match
When asked about their bowling, Babar said he feels their pacers have done exceedingly well, but they have fallen short in the spin department. He further said that to win, they need the whole team to perform, and bowlers have to step up in the middle overs.
The pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf has worked wonders for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023. The three pacers have taken nearly 80% of their wickets (23 wickets in 3 matches) and have helped Pakistan win both of their matches comfortably.
“Yes, we get a good start (with the ball) and the plan always is to bowl good in middle overs. The effort is to have an effective combination. We need wickets in the middle overs but we are not getting them. But you can see that we are finishing good. Our pacers are doing well at the end. This is a team performance. If someone fails, then another bowler chips in,” said Babar.
The right-hander also hoped that the second IND vs PAK encounter in the ODI Asia Cup wouldn’t be washed out after rain marred the first encounter in Pallekele.
“We are focusing on what is in our control. The way the sun is beaming, I don’t think it will rain a lot (tomorrow). We are trying to do as much practice as we can,” he added.
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