Mohammad Kaif, the former Indian cricketer, seems unfazed by the performance of the Pakistan cricket team in the 2023 Asia Cup. He’s even gone so far as to make a bold prediction about Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan team, in anticipation of the upcoming clash between India and Pakistan.
In the exciting opening encounter of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, Babar Azam put on a stunning show, hitting 151 runs against Nepal and electrifying the competition from the get-go. His remarkable form has created interest, especially with the looming encounter against India on September 2nd in Pallekele. It seems like Babar is in an excellent rhythm, which could provide issues for the Indian bowlers. Nevertheless, Mohammad Kaif, a former Indian cricketer, remains firmly confident in Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah’s talents.
According to Kaif, the form of Pakistan’s cricket squad doesn’t disturb him. He genuinely feels that Shami and Bumrah, both of whom are riding high on their outstanding performances, can create considerable difficulties for the Pakistani team. Bumrah’s impactful return, when he collected four wickets across two matches against Ireland, clinching the top slot in the series’ leading wicket-takers, highlighted his skill. As the Asia Cup approaches, Kaif anticipates that Pakistan’s skipper will struggle against the fearsome Indian pacers. He expects that Babar could not find it as simple to score freely against them, as he did against Nepal.
“Mohammed Shami is a fantastic bowler, his form is also very good. And even in Bumrah’s absence, he managed the bowling very well. Even his form in the IPL was great. So he has a lot of talent. In my opinion, Babar Azam is going to have a lot of difficulty facing Mohammed Shami” Kaif said on Star Sports.
I don’t have any hesitancy to bowl with the old ball Says Mohammed Shami
Team India fast bowler Mohammed Shami is feeling positive about the Team’s prospects in the ongoing Asia Cup. He expressed his readiness to bowl whenever needed during the matches, highlighting his lack of ego. The 32-year-old also pointed out that both Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have put in significant effort alongside him. This has fostered his belief in India’s potential success in the near future.
“I don’t have any hesitancy to bowl with the new ball or the old ball. I don’t have an ego like that. All three of us (Bumrah, Shami & Siraj) are bowling very well, so it depends on the management on who will play. There is only one goal, to go and give our 100%, the result will come running to us if we give our 100%. So it is very important to focus and execute, it’s a very simple plan,” Shami said.
