Tag: Babar Azam

‘In my opinion this was not the best batting order’ Shahid Afridi blasts Babar Azam’s captaincy in Asia Cup

Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan captain, expressed his dissatisfaction with the batting order adjustments made by the management during the crucial Asia Cup 2023 match against Sri Lanka. This game, a virtual semifinal between the co-hosts, took an unexpected turn when Babar Azam, having won the toss on a rain-affected day, chose to bat first.

Due to injuries, Babar had to make five changes to the playing XI that suffered a significant 228-run loss to India, marking Pakistan’s heaviest defeat to India in ODI cricket.

In this must-win match to secure a spot in the Asia Cup 2023 final against India on September 17, Pakistan’s batting order faced early challenges, with Fakhar Zaman’s early dismissal. While Abdullah Shafique managed to score a half-century, he lacked support from other batsmen, and Pakistan found themselves at 130/5 at one point.

Also read: Asia Cup Final: Sri Lankan Spinner Injured; India Favourites

However, Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed later rescued their team with a 108-run partnership. Despite this recovery, Afridi expressed his frustration on social media, stating that the batting order changes weren’t ideal for Pakistan and suggesting that they might have missed an opportunity to strategize effectively.

“Did Pakistan miss the trick? We could have made better choices in the batting order. What do you guys think? In my opinion this was not the best batting order according to the situation. @Asiacup2023,” wrote Afridi on X.

It appears that Afridi believed Shadab Khan should have been given the opportunity to bat ahead of Iftikhar Ahmed. Nevertheless, Iftikhar Ahmed, the experienced player, put up an impressive performance by scoring a valuable 46-run innings. He provided excellent support to Mohammad Rizwan, who remained unbeaten with a crucial 86, ultimately guiding Pakistan to a total of 252/7 in 42 overs.

September 15, 2023
Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Top 3 Dream11 Team Batter Picks for Today Match
The Asia Cup 2023 will be the 16th edition of this tournament. It will be hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka jointly. A total of 6 teams including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Nepal will be participating in the tournament.

From six teams at the start of Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan have managed to reach the Super Fours. In the fifth Super Four match, Pakistan will be squaring off against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka on the 14th of September.

Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Afridi are among the vital players from the Pakistani team. Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, and Matheesha Pathirana are among the key players from the Lankan team.

The live telecast of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match will be on the Star Sports Network and the live stream of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match will be on Disney+ Hotstar. Babar Azam will lead Pakistan, while Dasun Shanaka will lead Sri Lanka in the eleventh match of Asia Cup 2023.

Both teams won and lost their first and second game of the Super Four stage and are placed in the third and second position in the points table, respectively. This article highlights the top three batters who should be picked in your PAK vs SL fantasy prediction team.
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Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Today Match Possible Playing 11
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Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Top 3 Dream11 Team Batter Picks for Today Match

1) Sadeera Samarawickrama | SL

Sadeera Samarawickarama has been in great form this season with the bat, scoring 167 runs in four matches. He has slammed two half-centuries so far and can be a useful pick in this game as well, so he must find a place in your fantasy side for today’s PAK vs SL match

2) Babar Azam | PAK

Babar Azam has been one of the highest run-getters of the tournament despite his failure in the last game. His consistency makes him a good choice to lead your team which will add more fantasy points. Therefore, he is a must-have batter pick for today’s PAK vs SL fantasy team.

3) Kusal Mendis | SL

Kusal Mendis has scored 162 runs at an average of 40.50 in four matches which includes two fantastic fifties. He has been brilliant with his glovework as well and can fetch you healthy points. He can be a fantastic batter pick for your fantasy team in today’s PAK vs SL match.
September 14, 2023
Sunil Gavaskar Lauds Jasprit Bumrah’s Mastery Spell against Pakistan
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar showered accolades on Jasprit Bumrah for his exceptional performance during the India vs. Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four stage. In a triumphant return to ODI cricket after an absence of over a year, Jasprit Bumrah demonstrated his brilliance on the field.

Right from the start, Bumrah appeared to be in impeccable form as he subjected the Pakistani batsmen to a relentless onslaught of pace, bounce, and swing. During his initial five-over spell, Bumrah had the Pakistani batsmen struggling, inducing false responses from them on a remarkable 17 occasions, rendering him nearly unplayable.

His wicket-taking prowess was on full display as he provided India with a crucial breakthrough by dismissing the in-form Imam-ul-Haq with a beautiful delivery. Bumrah’s blistering pace set the stage for India’s dominance, which was brilliantly capitalized upon by the rest of the Indian bowlers. After the fast bowlers had Pakistan reeling, Kuldeep Yadav mowed through Pakistan’s middle and lower order, resulting in Pakistan’s dismissal for a mere 128 runs. This 228-run victory represents India’s most significant ODI win over Pakistan in terms of runs.
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Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Super Century in Colombo Earns High Praise from Aakash Chopra
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Sunil Gavaskar was effusive in his praise for Jasprit Bumrah, acknowledging the bowler’s impressive rhythm against Pakistan. During an interview with Sports Tak’s Vikrant Gupta, the former cricketer-turned-commentator emphasized that India’s performance was well-rounded.

“If the game against Pakistan had been washed out, there would have been doubts about India’s ability to reach the final. It was a comprehensive performance from India, and they secured a fantastic victory against Pakistan. India completely dominated Pakistan,” remarked Sunil Gavaskar.

Gavaskar further commended the impressive performances of KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah. He noted that Rahul had dispelled concerns about his fitness by keeping wickets after scoring a century. In reference to Jasprit Bumrah, Gavaskar noted that even the world-class batter Babar Azam had difficulty reading the pace bowler’s deliveries.

“KL Rahul not only scored a century but also kept wickets, dispelling all concerns about his fitness. Jasprit Bumrah was also in splendid form. His ability to swing the ball both ways while running in was exceptional. Even a world-class batsman like Babar Azam struggled to anticipate the ball’s trajectory. This Indian team is prepared, and I hope they maintain this momentum in the Asia Cup and the World Cup,” Sunil Gavaskar affirmed.
September 12, 2023
‘Babar is the No. 1 batter in the world’ Wasim Akram Proved Wrong in India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023

The world had been eagerly anticipating the showdown between Babar Azam and Jasprit Bumrah. Their last encounter prior to the Asia Cup occurred during the 2021 T20 World Cup. On that occasion, there was only one victor, as Babar-led Pakistan trounced India by 10 wickets, ending India’s unbeaten World Cup streak against Pakistan. However, since then, a significant amount of time has passed.

In the past year, India and Pakistan have faced each other three times, but the long-awaited face-off between Babar and Bumrah had to be postponed due to the Indian pacer’s injury. After several months away from the action, Bumrah has finally returned, likely itching for a showdown with the Pakistan captain.

Unfortunately, the India vs Pakistan Group A match last weekend ended in a washout, further delaying this anticipated contest. Both Babar and Bumrah had contrasting starts to the Asia Cup. While the Pakistan captain notched a century against Nepal, Bumrah hadn’t bowled a single over in the tournament for India until Monday (September 11). However, when he finally did, it was a remarkable sight, reminiscent of the Bumrah of old, as Pakistan struggled to handle his impeccable line, length, and pace.

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The moment finally arrived on Monday, the reserve day of the India vs Pakistan Super 4 clash after rain had washed away Sunday’s play. However, just before the battle could commence, a statistic displayed by the host broadcaster STAR left Wasim Akram irritated. India had posted a massive 356/2 while batting first. During the innings break, Akram, along with Ravi Shastri, was part of the mid-innings show. During this show, STAR organized a poll asking viewers to choose between Bumrah and Babar. However, when the results overwhelmingly favored the Indian pacer, Akram found it hard to accept and voiced his displeasure.

“You guys are making these stats up. What? Babar is the No. 1 batter in the world. I mean, come on guys. Give him a little appreciation. Make it 3 percent at least. It will be a great battle. One of the top bowlers in world cricket against the No. 1 batter in the world, who apparently has just 2 percent chance against him,” Wasim Akram said.

Akram’s prediction quickly turned sour as Bumrah asserted his dominance over Babar during their brief encounter. Bumrah bowled 13 deliveries to Babar, with a staggering 11 of them resulting in dot balls while conceding just 4 runs. The first ball he delivered was a menacing inswinger, clocked at nearly 140 kilometers per hour, which struck Babar on the pads. He followed it up with an almost unplayable delivery, leaving the Pakistan captain completely bamboozled outside off stump. Bumrah expertly mixed up his inswingers and outswingers, momentarily making Babar look far from the world’s No. 1-ranked ODI batsman.

Bumrah continued to baffle Babar with a back-of-a-length delivery and a fuller swinging ball. The only time Bumrah made a mistake against Babar was with a wide back-of-a-length delivery, and the Pakistan captain capitalized by punching it through the off side for a four. However, off the very next ball, Bumrah quickly adjusted his length and continued to apply pressure.

September 12, 2023
Asia Cup 2023: India vs Pakistan Top 3 Dream11 Team Batter Picks for Today Match
The Asia Cup 2023 will be the 16th edition of this tournament. It will be hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka jointly. A total of 6 teams including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Nepal will be participating in the tournament.

From six teams at the start of Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan have managed to reach the Super Fours. In the third Super Four match of the tournament, India will be squaring off against Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka on the 10th of September.

Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Hardik Pandya are among the vital players from the Indian team. Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah are among the key players from the Pakistani team.

The live telecasting of the India vs Pakistan match will be on the Star Sports Network and the live streaming of the India vs Pakistan match will be on Disney+ Hotstar. Rohit Sharma will lead Team India, while Babar Azam will lead Team Pakistan in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2023.

Pakistan ended at the first spot on the points table of Group A of this season of the Asia Cup whereas India finished off at the second spot on the points table of Group A. This article highlights the top three batters who should be picked in your IND vs PAK fantasy prediction team.
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Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: India vs Pakistan Today Match Possible Playing 11
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Asia Cup 2023: India vs Pakistan Top 3 Dream11 Team Batter Picks for Today Match

1) Ishan Kishan | IND

Ishan Kishan was sensational in the last game as he smashed the bowlers around and dominated the proceedings. Plus his wicket-keeping skills will add to the fantasy points he brings. Therefore, he is a must-have batter pick for today’s IND vs PAK fantasy team.

2) Babar Azam | PAK

Babar Azam already displayed the kind of form he has been in recent times in the first match of the Asia Cup. He smashed 151 runs against Nepal off 131 balls. He can be a fantastic batter pick for your fantasy team and is also expected to perform well in today’s IND vs PAK match.

3) Rohit Sharma | IND

Rohit Sharma had a brilliant comeback in the last game, where he smashed an unbeaten 74. He would be looking forward to keeping up his form in this game as well, he must find a place in your fantasy side for today’s IND vs PAK match.
September 10, 2023
Virat, Babar or Williamson will score the most runs in World Cup- South African legend predicts

Former South African captain and cricketing icon, AB de Villiers, recently shared his predictions for the top run-scorers in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India. In a video posted on his official YouTube channel, the 39-year-old legend highlighted that the performance and form of the players leading into the tournament would play a significant role in determining the top run-getter.

De Villiers mentioned several potential contenders for this title, stating, “It’s a tough one. I am not really sure. There are a lot of guys that can do it. We look at guys who are in form – Babar, Kane Williamson. Obviously, Virat will be up there somewhere along the line. Virat absolutely loves 50-over cricket. His name will be up there for sure.”

It’s worth noting that in the 2019 World Cup, Indian opener Rohit Sharma was the leading run-scorer, accumulating a remarkable 648 runs in nine matches with an average of 81, which included five centuries.

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As the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 draws nearer, cricket fans worldwide are eagerly preparing for an exciting event scheduled to be held in India from October 5 to November 19.

The anticipation is building for a spectacular showdown as the tournament is scheduled to kick off with a highly anticipated match between England and New Zealand at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This opening game is expected to evoke memories of the 2019 final and is poised to deliver a captivating start to this cricketing spectacle.

September 8, 2023
Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan vs Bangladesh Top 3 Dream11 Team Batter Picks for Today Match
The Asia Cup 2023 will be the 16th edition of this tournament. It will be hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka jointly. A total of 6 teams including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Nepal will be participating in the tournament.

From six teams at the start of Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka have managed to reach the Super Fours. In the first Super Four match of the tournament, Afghanistan will be squaring off against Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi Stadium in Pakistan on the 6th of September.

Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah are among the vital players from the Pakistani team. Najmul Shanto, Mehidy Hasan, and Mustafizur Rahman are among the key players from the Bangladeshi team.

Babar Azam will lead the Pakistan Team in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023 against Bangladesh. Pakistan won their first match in the Group Stage against Nepal by 238 runs, but their second match against India ended without a result due to rain.

Shakib Al Hasan will lead the Bangladesh Team in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023 against Pakistan. Bangladesh lost their first match in the Group Stage to Sri Lanka by 5 wickets but won their second match against Afghanistan by 89 runs.

Pakistan ended at the top of the points table of Group A of this season of the Asia Cup whereas Bangladesh finished off at the second spot on the points table of Group B. This article highlights the top three batters who should be picked in your PAK vs BAN fantasy prediction team.
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Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan vs Bangladesh Today Match Possible Playing 11
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Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan vs Bangladesh Top 3 Dream11 Team Batter Picks for Today Match

1) Babar Azam | PAK

Babar Azam already displayed the kind of form he has been in recent times in the first match of the Asia Cup. He smashed 151 runs against Nepal off 131 balls. He can be a fantastic batter pick for your Dream11 team and is also expected to perform well in today’s PAK vs BAN match.

2) Mushfiqur Rahim | BAN

Mushfiqur Rahim can be another good batter pick for your fantasy side. He is the most successful batter for Bangladesh over the years in ODIs. In 251 matches, he has scored 7257 runs with 45 fifties and 9 hundreds. Therefore, he is a must-have batter pick for today’s PAK vs BAN fantasy team.

3) Imam Ul Haq | PAK

Imam Ul Haq was a no-show for the Men in Green against Nepal, scoring only 5 runs and getting out in the first over itself. He has scored 2889 runs in 64 ODIs with 9 tons. Keeping his form in mind, he must find a place in your fantasy side for today’s PAK vs BAN match.
September 6, 2023
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Weather Update: Toss Delay Possible, But Improved Conditions Expected Later
The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 has been under the threat of rain, but as of Saturday morning, the chances of a complete washout seem unlikely. According to AccuWeather, there is a 40-60% chance of rain during the toss, but weather conditions are expected to improve as the day progresses.

Over the past two days, Pallekele has experienced gloomy conditions with dark clouds looming overhead. Although rain had stayed away since Thursday, the Saturday evening forecast initially predicted a 90% chance of rain until 6 PM. However, since Friday evening, both Kandy and Pallekele, which is located a half-hour drive away, have remained dry.

On Saturday morning, heavy breezes were observed, pushing the dark clouds away from the vicinity. Locals suggest that such a sight typically indicates passing showers lasting for about half an hour to an hour. In such circumstances, teams may consider the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in case of rain affecting the game. If rain is anticipated, most captains winning the toss opt to bowl first, as this allows them to assess their position at the halfway stage.

However, given the slow nature of the pitch and its potential difficulty for scoring under lights, the decision may not be straightforward. During the first match at this venue, despite overcast conditions, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and chose to bat first. However, his team faced difficulties midway through the innings and was eventually bowled out for 163.
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Also Read: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Live Streaming Info: When and Where to Watch Match Today
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India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, mentioned that the team has been closely monitoring the conditions and acknowledged the challenges faced by batters. He emphasized the importance of adapting to the game’s situation and conditions.

Pakistan has already secured a victory over Nepal, so even if this match is affected by rain, India can still advance as they have an additional game to play. Two teams from the group will progress to the Super 4s stage, which will be held in Colombo.

Both the Indian and Pakistani teams conducted training sessions on Friday evening, and following the practice, the ground staff covered the entire ground. This proactive approach suggests that even if there is a rain-induced delay, the likelihood of the match resuming shortly after the rain stops remains promising.
September 2, 2023
Asia Cup 2023: Top 5 Players to Watch Out in India vs Pakistan Today Match
The Asia Cup 2023 will see its third match of the tournament between India and Pakistan. India will face Pakistan on 2nd September at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Rohit Sharma is the skipper of India, while Babar Azam is the captain of Pakistan. India and Pakistan have faced each other 13 times, with India leading the race with 7 wins, while Pakistan secured 5 victories.

Both India and Pakistan are in Group A. The India vs Pakistan match is always one of the most anticipated matches in cricket, and the forthcoming Asia Cup encounter is no different. With both squads brimming with exceptional talent capable of delivering game-changing performances, there are a few players who stand out as potential match-winners.
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Also Read: India vs Pakistan Pitch Report Today Match Asia Cup 2023 – Pallekele Stadium Pitch Report Asia Cup 2023 Match 3
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Here are the top five players to watch out for during the India vs Pakistan match:

1) Virat Kohli

Widely acclaimed as one of India’s finest cricketing talents, Virat Kohli has etched his name in the annals of greatness. His performances against Pakistan in One Day Internationals (ODIs) attest to his prowess. Over the course of 13 encounters with Pakistan, Kohli has amassed 536 runs, boasting an impressive average of 48.72. This remarkable tally includes two centuries and a duo of half-centuries. Worth noting is his recent participation in three ODIs against Pakistan, where he contributed scores of 81 not out, 5, and 77.

2) Babar Azam

Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, has emerged as a batting sensation in his generation. His record against India, while modest with 158 runs from 5 games at an average of 31.60, belies his overall batting prowess. In the realm of ODIs, Azam has soared to remarkable heights, accumulating 5202 runs in 103 matches at a stellar average of 58.44. Within this impressive journey lie 18 centuries and 28 half-centuries. Notably, he commenced the Asia Cup 2023 campaign with a stellar performance, amassing 151 runs off 131 balls against Nepal.

3) Jasprit Bumrah

India’s bowling linchpin, Jasprit Bumrah, made a triumphant return to the national team after a prolonged injury layoff. His last ODI appearance for India dates back to July 14, 2022, where he secured two crucial wickets, albeit in a losing effort against England. A stellar comeback was witnessed during a three-match T20I series against Ireland. In encounters with Pakistan, Bumrah has participated in just five ODIs, collecting four wickets.

4) Shaheen Afridi

In Shaheen Afridi, the Pakistan team has unearthed a formidable replacement for Mohammad Amir. His prowess was showcased on the global stage during the 2021 T20 World Cup, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier left-arm pacers in the cricketing world. Notably, Afridi made an immediate impact by dismissing Rohit Sharma in the fourth ball of the match and subsequently claiming the wicket of KL Rahul in the very next over. His confrontations with the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli promise to be captivating duels worth watching.

5) Rohit Sharma

Leading the Indian team, Rohit Sharma has carved out a memorable record against Pakistan in ODIs. In 16 matches against Pakistan, he has aggregated 720 runs, featuring two centuries and six half-centuries. One of his most memorable performances was his dazzling 140 off 113 balls in the 2019 World Cup encounter against Pakistan. This performance was part of a remarkable run in the tournament, where he notched up five centuries, leading India to an 89-run victory over Pakistan via the DLS method.
September 1, 2023
Mohammad Kaif Picks Mohammed Shami as Key to Stop Babar Azam in Asia Cup Clash
The much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 has the cricketing world on the edge of its seat. As the arch-rivals prepare to face off, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has identified a key player who could be instrumental in halting Pakistan’s in-form captain, Babar Azam. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, a vital member of India’s bowling arsenal, shares insights on their strategy and the impact of Jasprit Bumrah’s return.

In the lead-up to the India-Pakistan showdown, Mohammad Kaif has diverted attention from the usual suspects like Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. Instead, he’s placed the spotlight on veteran right-arm seamer Mohammed Shami as the potential game-changer against Babar Azam. Speaking on Star Sports, Kaif praises Shami’s form and anticipates that the talented bowler could pose significant challenges for Azam.

Kaif highlights Shami’s fantastic form and the skill he brings to the table. He suggests that Shami’s proficiency, even in the absence of Bumrah, could create a challenging scenario for Babar Azam. With his ability to deliver well-placed deliveries and exploit batsmen’s weaknesses, Shami emerges as a formidable adversary for Azam.
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Also Read: Babar Azam Responds to Virat Kohli’s Praise, Reflects on Mutual Respect
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Discussing India’s pace unit, Mohammed Shami weighs in on the capabilities of the frontline pacers – himself, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. He emphasizes their collective prowess and states that the final decision on the pace-bowling combination rests with the team management. Shami’s adaptable approach, whether with the new ball or the old, underscores his commitment to the team’s cause.

Reflecting on Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the team after an 11-month hiatus, Shami acknowledges the impact of Bumrah’s absence and subsequent return on India’s bowling dynamics. Shami praises Bumrah’s influence, particularly in the white-ball format, and expresses satisfaction at having him back in the lineup. Bumrah’s presence adds depth and strength to India’s formidable bowling arsenal.

As the Asia Cup 2023 promises an intense battle between India and Pakistan, the cricketing world awaits with bated breath. While Babar Azam’s brilliance remains a formidable challenge, the spotlight shifts to Mohammed Shami, who is poised to deliver a captivating duel. Shami’s form and prowess, combined with the return of Jasprit Bumrah, paint a promising picture of India’s bowling prowess. The clash between the two cricketing giants will undoubtedly provide a stage for both teams to showcase their skills and determination.
August 31, 2023