Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan backed Jasprit Bumrah to perform well in the clash against Pakistan and also remarked that he can turn out to be a massive headache for Fakhar Zaman in particular. Notably, Bumrah has a great record against the Men in Green when it comes to the shortest format and he was also adjudged as the Player of the Match when the two teams last met in the format in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Bumrah began his Asia Cup campaign on a positive note and recorded figures of 1/19 in his three-over spell. Despite only getting a single scalp, the 31-year-old was quite economical and now his main focus will be to deliver in the upcoming match against Pakistan as well.
Pathan stated that Bumrah is quite a clever bowler and also remarked that if the latter brings up his A game, then Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman in particular will not stand a chance.
"When we saw Bumrah in the last match, he was bowling with control and easing in. He is very smart and knows how to pace himself. When you see him playing against Pakistan, he will be seen in a different pace and a different zone. Fakhar Zaman is a player who plays fast and tries to carry momentum. So there if Bumrah comes in his A game, I don't think Fakhar stands a chance. But if he can remove that spell, I would love to see that contest between Fakhar Zaman and Kuldeep Yadav," Pathan said on Sony Sports Network.
Pathan further labelled Bumrah as a 'king', highlighting how the 31-year-old knows how to set the opposing batters up. He also pointed out that the 31-year-old is especially effective against left-handers.
"Who can give instructions to Bumrah? He is a king. He is a once-in-a-generation bowler. He knows how to set the batters up and when to bowl the yorker. Fakhar is a left-handed batter and we have seen the inswing yorker as well from Bumrah to left-handers," Pathan stated.
Highly important clash for both teams
Meanwhile, India will be taking on Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14. It will be quite an important clash for both the teams as both of them won their opening games of the tournament and a second consecutive victory here will most likely guarantee them of a spot in the Super 4 stage.