Experienced New Zealand seamer Trent Boult is looking to replicate Shaheen Shah Afridi's bowling gig in the all-important Super 12 contest against India on Sunday. After what the left-arm speedster Afridi did to India in their opener, the Men in Blue would certainly be wary of Boult, who is also skilful operator with the ball.
Shaheen created the base of Pakistan's historic first-ever victory against India. He packed India openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul in his first two overs with the new ball. Shaheen trapped Rohit with an in-swinging yorker and then sneaked through Rahul's defence with a razor-sharp delivery. He finished with figures of 3/31 in his four overs.
"I suppose it depends on when I get the ball, I am not sure what the plan is with what overs certain bowlers are bowling. The way Shaheen bowled against India was amazing, but yeah India has quality batters, early wickets are the focus for us but we need to be nice and accurate of where we are trying to put the ball. Hopefully, it swings around a little bit and I can mirror what Shaheen did the other night," said Boult in the virtual pre-match press conference.
Having endured a nightmare last Sunday against Pakistan, India would be eager to get back to winning ways. Similarly, the Kiwis will come hard at Virat Kohli's men, having also lost to Pakistan in their opening game.
"Boys are pretty upbeat, excited about the chance of taking on India tomorrow night. Not the best start for us against Pakistan who obviously played some pretty good cricket. Boys are excited and we are looking forward to the challenge that India brings.
"Whatever we do first, we need to do it well. India brings a lot of challenges, they are a quality side. But with the ball, we just need to be clear in our options on how to shut these people down and obviously give them a bigger chase as possible if we bat first. We look forward to taking it on," he added.
Boult gives update on Guptill's injury
With Pakistan already on six points after playing all their tough games (India, New Zealand and Afghanistan) in the first week of Super 12s, they are expected to beat Namibia and Scotland en route the top place in the Group 2.
This leaves both India and New Zealand in a virtual shoot-out position. Whoever deliveries in the remaining games has a chance to finish on maximum eight points and grab the second place in the group.
Boult also gave an update on Martin Guptill's injury, saying that the batter is "good to go" for the Indian challenge. "He is pretty good, he trained fully yesterday. He is definitely a big piece of the puzzle for us at the top of the innings. He is good to go," said the 32-year-old.
