Ahead of the much-anticipated clash of India vs Pakistan, the Men in Green pacers terrorized India and other team participating in the upcoming Asia Cup. Facing Afghanistan, the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah ran through the Afghani top-order as they won the first ODI encounter by a massive 142 runs. Rauf was adjudged player of the match for his 5-wicket haul.
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Shaheen and Naseem shared three wickets among them
Pakistan bowlers were right on the money as they reduced the opposition for 21/4 after the mandatory field restrictions. Express pacers Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf ran over the Afghani top-order with the left-arm pacer getting two wickets while Naseem and Rauf sharing one each. However, Rauf showed his absolute best as he completely broke the bone of Afghani batting line-up reducing them for just 59 runs.
“Thanks to Allah. Feeling very well and used the conditions well. I think so, it doesn’t matter if it’s a low scoring game. We had to create impact and glad we did that. We bowled the hard lengths and we bowled well. Yes, they did their job and made my job easier. When I am bowling, I just try to keep it simple and focus on my strengths. I maintain my strengths,” Rauf said after the match.
It must be noted that Pakistan will take on arch-rivals India in their second match of the Asia Cup. Pakistan will play their opening game of the marquee event on August 30 against Nepal. With the kind of form Pakistani pacers are in, they are expected to give a tough time to the Indian batters.
The Men in Blue have been exposed several times by the Pakistani pacers in ICC events. Rohit Sharma and Co. will be hoping to put on a strong batting performance against their neighbours. At present, team India is taking on Ireland in the a 3-match T20I series with the final match of the fixture to be played on August 23.
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