All eyes will focus on the health of pacer Shaheen Afridi, as the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 clash approaches on Saturday, September 02. Concerns arose during Pakistan’s initial match against Nepal in Multan on Wednesday when Afridi appeared troubled. During the course of the game, he bowled a mere five overs, managing to secure two wickets. Following a conversation with the physio near the boundary ropes, Afridi left the field. This development worries Pakistani supporters who eagerly anticipate Afridi’s prowess against India’s formidable batting lineup, particularly in facing off against star player Virat Kohli.
As of now, there has been no official update or confirmation regarding his injury status. Shaheen Afridi holds a crucial role within the Pakistan team, and his potential absence could deal a significant blow to the squad.
In the match against Nepal, Afridi displayed remarkable precision right from the beginning. He removed Kushal Bhurtel and subsequently sent the Nepali captain back to the pavilion without scoring, marking a golden duck for him.
The top pacer missed the previous Asia Cup due to a knee injury and had limited involvement in the T20 World Cup final. With Asia Cup 2023 being vital before the World Cup, Pakistan needs Shaheen Afridi in peak form.
Also read: IND vs PAK LIVE Streaming: Where, How to watch Asia Cup 2023 online for free?
Virat Kohli vs Shaheen Afridi
As the calendar inches closer to September 2, marking the third Asia Cup 2023 showdown between India and Pakistan, the atmosphere is bound to be charged with excitement as Shaheen Afridi takes center stage in his attempt to bowl to Kohli amidst the backdrop of his injury concerns.
In the four instances where Shaheen Afridi has faced off against Virat Kohli, he has managed to dismiss the former India captain on just one occasion. Kohli’s impressive track record against Pakistan has consistently allowed him to rack up runs against his team’s arch-rivals since 2012, and this trend has continued for more than a decade.
Even in the presence of a top-tier new-ball bowler like Shaheen, Kohli has mustered 34 runs from two innings – encountering Afridi twice (both instances during the T20 World Cups of 2021 and 2022), hitting 4 fours and a six – at a strike rate of 154.54. Despite the limited encounters due to the T20I format, the Asia Cup presents an opportunity to witness an extended battle between these two superstar players representing their respective countries.
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