I think Shaheen Shah Afridi against the Indian openers – Ravi Shastri on the India vs Pakistan’s key battles

As India prepare for a mega-battle against their arch-rivals, Pakistan, the conversations are all countless predictions and speculations. Obviously one of the talking points of the game is how the Indian batters come up against Shaheen Shah Afridi, particularly the top three.

Despite Shaheen ruling the roost until now, the way India went after him in the Super Four game of the Asia Cup is enough to make fans believe that the left arm pacer's threat can be overcome. 

India will definitely be relying on their top-order to get the job done early on, and the impending return of Shubman Gill, who took on Shaheen in the Asia Cup, will undoubtedly bolster the batting unit. 

Former Indian cricketer, Ravi Shastri, highlighted the key factors that define the fate of the clash. Talking to Star Sports, Shastri said, “I think Shaheen Shah Afridi against the Indian openers (is important).”

He further added, “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.”

Shastri continued, “I think at the top, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be key. If they both get going and one gets a hundred, I emphasize that 300, 320, 330, that is very much a possibility.”

Shifting to what Pakistan’s perspective might be, Shastri said, “Similarly, from Pakistan’s point of view, I think in this game, again it will be at the top. You want their captain to fire. Babar Azam has not had a great run of late, but if he starts firing, getting that 80-100 early doors in the tournament, it’ll make his job as a captain a lot easier.”

He concluded by talking about the bowlers, “I think Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, because we know Bumrah is an x-factor, and if he gets it right he’ll be a thrill to watch. And Siraj I think has come of age. He’s one of the most improved bowlers in world cricket, and can do wonderful things with the ball, it comes naturally to him. He can swing it, he can seam it, he’s got a great seam presentation. So I think these two will be great to watch if they’re on song.”