Matthew Hayden, the former Australian batsman, has broken down India’s strategy for tackling Pakistan’s formidable pace bowling lineup ahead of their Asia Cup opener. The long-standing rivals are set to clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Saturday, September 2nd.
Before the upcoming match against Pakistan, Hayden underlined the need for India to have multiple ways to beat the frightening bowling combination of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah. He also pondered on Shaheen Afridi’s excellent performance during the 2022 T20 World Cup and advised ways in which Captain Rohit Sharma may effectively respond to the challenge given by the fast bowler.
“India is playing against Pakistan’s pace trio. Well, I can tell you this is one of the spiciest competitions on the planet. We’ve got Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem. Three very different types of bowlers and unique bowlers which require unique plans from Team India. Firstly, the conditions here in Kandy tend to have quite a lot of bounce, so you’ve got to watch that out, especially Haris Rauf. He’ll want to really hustle in and hit the top of off stump,” said Matthew Hayden on Star Sports.
“You’ve got to be conservative against Shaheen Afridi. Remember back to the World Cup more recently; Shaheen was able to take early wickets. We’ll never forget that ball that he bowled to captain Rohit Sharma, so a little bit of caution against Shaheen Afridi. If it’s swinging, look to play out those first three overs,” he further added.
I think it’s India who is going to win: Matthew Hayden
Hayden also emphasized the importance of an aggressive approach from Rohit and his team to keep Naseem under pressure. Furthermore, he expressed his confidence in the Indian cricket team’s ability to secure victory against Pakistan. He pointed out that India boasts a strong batting lineup and is supported by players who are currently in good form.
“I think with Naseem, even though he will shape the ball, Pakistan can be in a position to advance forward with India managing to take them out of play by aggressive plays against someone like Naseem. Put him under pressure, feel like you are in front of the game. All in all, though, I think it’s going to be Team India that’s going to win. I think they’ve got a deeper, classier batting line-up, and I think they’ve got form on the board as well,” he stated.
