Rain has continued to frustrate the fans and players as the weather has proved to be a spoilsport during the India vs Pakistan games in Asia Cup 2023. The first group stage clash between the two arch-rivals was washed out, and the Super 4 clash was pushed to the reserve day, on Sunday.
The start of play meanwhile was also delayed on Monday, September 11 due to rain shortly before the scheduled start time.
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul would be raring to go again on the reserve day however the Indian players were spotted in a spirited mood, enjoying tea as the ground staff were working their socks off to get the venue of R. Premadasa Stadium ready on time.
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During the rain break on Sunday, Mohammad Kaif discussed the ‘key matchup’ between Virat Kohli and Shaheen Afridi which could define the IND vs PAK clash on reserve day.
“For newer players, as it is a big game, the expectations are not as high. But if the senior players, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, fail, the fans don’t like it at all,” Kaif told Star Sports.
He added, “There is no compromise on that; they have to perform with the bat and continue their form for the past two or three years and perform well at the World Cup also.”
Kaif said that the Pakistan pace spearhead will have his plan set against Kohli, he will hope to bring the ball in and try to get the batter on his pads, or get the stumps. However, the India legend also gave an advice to Virat saying that putting pressure on Shaheen instead will work in India’s favour.
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“Shaheen will continue to bring the ball in, bowling his inswing. He has told himself that his game plan is very simple, bring the ball in and fast. Whatever the batsman wants to do, let him, his game plan is straightforward – bring the ball in, hit the pad and hit the stumps,” said Kaif.
“So it will be exciting to see Virat Kohli in the form he is in to take him on; it is the most key matchup of the game. What makes Virat special is his ability to play in the big matches, and he won’t play on the back foot,” he added.
“Naseem Shah, Afridi or Rauf, whoever is bowling, don’t play on the backfoot. If you get the chance, even on the first ball, look for the boundary,” stated the India legend further.
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