Anticipation is building for India vs Pakistan encounter in Ahmedabad, and according to Ravi Shastri, the outcome might well be decided by the face-off between India's formidable opening pair and Pakistan's pace spearhead, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Despite Afridi's reputation as one of the most intimidating fast bowlers in international cricket, his recent form in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has left much to be desired. In the two matches he's played in the tournament, he's claimed only two wickets. His performance against Sri Lanka was notably below par, with figures of 66 runs conceded in 9 overs for a single wicket. Consequently, Afridi's recent form has sparked discussions and concerns among the cricketing fraternity.
In his outings against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, Afridi's numbers are not reflective of his usual prowess. In 16 overs across both matches, he's managed to scalp just two wickets while giving away 103 runs. Such statistics are worrying signs for Pakistan as they prepare to take on arch-rivals India.
However, it's worth noting that Afridi has had moments of brilliance against India, having secured five wickets in their previous three encounters. Notably, he clinched a four-wicket haul in the Asia Cup 2023 against the Men in Blue.
On the other side, Rohit Sharma has begun the World Cup with a bang, producing a scintillating 131-run knock against Afghanistan. With Shubman Gill recovering robustly from dengue, he is poised to join Sharma at the top of the order. Rohit hinted at Gill's probable participation, stating he's "99 percent available" for the monumental clash.
Ravi Shastri emphasized the significance of the duel between Afridi and the Indian openers. He believes the team that emerges on top in this battle will likely set the tone for the entire match. The cricket world waits with bated breath to see which side will seize the initiative in this crucial showdown.
"I think Shaheen Shah Afridi against the Indian openers (is important)," Shastri said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
"It's a given that that's going to be the test, that it's going to be the challenge. Whoever wins that will go a long way towards dictating terms in that game.
"I think at the top, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be key. If they both get going and one gets a hundred, I emphasise that 300, 320, 330, that is very much a possibility," he added.
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