Asia Cup 2023: IND vs PAK: Former Pakistan batting coach shares tips for Rohit Sharma to tackle Shaheen Afridi

Afridi conceded 19 runs off 18 deliveries against Rohit Sharma last time they faced in an ODI in 2019.

Team India faced a shocking defeat against Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2021 in Dubai. Shaheen Afridi rattled the Indian top-order in the game as he got two wickets in his first two overs. Rohit Sharma was out on a golden duck, while his opening partner KL Rahul was out on just three runs. Afridi, with these two wickets upfront, made Pakistan get their maiden win against India in any World Cup match. Matthew Hayden was then associated with Pakistan camp as their batting consultant. Matthew Hayden has now again cautioned Indian openers against the tall left-handed bowler.

Hayden suggests a conservative approach against Shaheen

Former Australian opener Mathew Hayden has suggested that Indian captain Sharma should negate using a conservative approach in the first three overs of Shaheen’s spell. Hayden said, "You have got to be conservative against Shaheen Afridi. Remember back to the T20 World Cup in 2021, when Shaheen was able to take early wickets? We will never forget the ball that he bowled to Rohit Sharma, so a little bit of caution against Shaheen Afridi If it’s swinging, look to play out those first three overs." Shaheen Afridi picked up two wickets in his first over against Nepal in Asia Cup 2023 opener in Multan.

Matthew Hayden also anticipates a great clash between Pakistan pace trio and the star Indian batting lineup in the game. Hyden said, "India is playing against Pakistan’s pace trio. This is one of the spiciest competitions on the planet. We have Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah. Three very different types of bowlers and unique bowlers require unique plans from team India." Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf have done a fantastic job for their team in recent times.

Former Australian opener Mathew Hayden predicted that India are favourites to win the game against Pakistan and said, "All in all, though, I think it’s going to be team India that’s going to win. I think they’ve got a deeper, classier batting lineup, and I think they’ve got form on the board as well." India won the last three ODI games against Pakistan. They defeated the men in green twice in Asia Cup 2018 and then in the World Cup 2019 at Old Trafford in Manchester. Pallekele Cricket Stadium will host the India vs Pakistan clash on Saturday.