Ravi Shastri acknowledged that the infrequency of India and Pakistan playing each other intensifies the pressure and expectations surrounding the match
Former all-rounder Ravi Shastri has pinpointed a pivotal battle to keep an eye on in the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in Ahmedabad. He emphasized the contest between left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi and the Indian openers as the one that could shape the outcome of the game. While Afridi has dismissed Rohit Sharma twice in international cricket, with the batter averaging just 18.50, he has also managed to dismiss Shubman Gill once in their two encounters. In case Gill is unavailable for the marquee fixture, Ishan Kishan is expected to open the batting.
Speaking to the ICC in anticipation of the crucial match, Shastri stressed the significance of the battle between Shaheen Afridi and the Indian openers, highlighting its potential to dictate the course of the contest. Despite his impressive overall ODI record with 88 wickets at an average of 24, Shaheen Afridi has faced challenges in the ongoing World Cup, having secured only two wickets and an economy rate of nearly 6.50 runs per over.
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Ravi Shastri acknowledged that the infrequency of India and Pakistan playing each other intensifies the pressure and expectations surrounding the match. However, he tipped the hosts as favourites, emphasizing the strength of the Indian side. In the past, India and Pakistan used to have regular encounters, although this is not the case now. Despite the heightened expectations, playing on home turf, and the pressure, Shastri believes that India’s team holds the upper hand, asserting their status as favourites.
Even though the two sides haven’t engaged in a bilateral series since 2012-13, Team India has dominated recent meetings, securing comprehensive victories in their last four matches. The Men in Blue also maintain a perfect 7-0 record against their arch-rivals in ODI World Cups, dating back to 1992.
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