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Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has pointed out one battle in the high-voltage encounter against Pakistan that will decide the outcome. Kaif believes how Rohit tackles Pakistan pacers will be the key for India on a tricky pitch at Nassau County Cricket Stadium, New York, which has produced a few low-scoring games.
“Rohit Sharma vs Pakistan pacers: This battle will decide the game today. With pitch helping bowlers, Rohit's success can change the game,” Kaif wrote on X.
Rohit has made five appearances with the bat against Pakistan in T20 World Cups. He has scored 68 runs from five innings at an average of 17. The highest of 30 not out against Pakistan at the inaugural edition of the event in 2007.
In the last edition of T20 World Cup, he departed after scoring just four runs in the run chase. He was dismissed by Haris Rauf. In the 2021 edition, he was dismissed for a golden duck by Shaheen Afridi.
Rohit has struggled against the left-arm pacers. Pakistan have veteran left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir in their bowling attack alongside Afridi.
Kaif’s advice to Kohli
Earlier, Kaif had an advice for Rohit's new opening partner Virat Kohli. He said that Kohli will have to tone down his aggression against the Babar Azam-led side.
"Forget Pakistan, Virat Kohli is a danger for every team. Any team that plays against him won't find it that easy to get him out. However, I feel he will have to tone down his aggression a little. He could score only one run off five balls in the last match, stepped down the wicket, got a top edge, and got out," Kaif said on Star Sports.
Despite a single-digit score against Ireland at the same venue, Kaif said that the star batter has form in side after a successful Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Kohli has a stellar record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups with 308 runs from five innings including four fifties.
"Virat Kohli has form and is coming after playing exceptionally well in the IPL. He scored close to 700 runs. We saw the domination where he was attacking in the powerplay and hitting boundaries, playing slog sweeps, and hitting sixes against spin," the 43-year-old added.
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