S. Sreesanth's big attack on Shaheen Afridi, says 'Don't count Virat as a wicket'

Former India fast bowler S. Sreesanth takes a dig at Pakistan bowler Shaheen Afridi.

Pakistan bowlers once again overpowered Indian batting lineup in Asia Cup League encounter. Pakistan’s pace attack, consisting of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, rattled Indian top order and tail to restrict India to 266. Due to persistent rain, Pakistan’s chase could not happen on September 2. Shaheen Afridi got Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli early after the first rain break. They both got out cheaply against Shaheen within just a four-balls span. Shaheen castled both of them and put Pakistan on top. While everyone is in awe of Shaheen’s spell, former Indian pacer Sreesanth feels otherwise.

Sreesanth's big attack on Shaheen Afridi

Sreesanth believes that the Pakistan pacer was lucky to get Virat Kohli’s wicket as he bowled cleanly. He said, "It was unfortunate for India, Pakistan were lucky to get Virat Kohli’s wicket because it was an inside edge. I don’t count it as a wicket; I know him personally, which is why I know what would have been going through his mind after seeing Pakistan’s celebration. I am just waiting for the India vs. Pakistan match." India will take on their arch-rivals Pakistan on September 10 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Colombo witnessed intense rain in recent weeks.

Virat Kohli’s stay at the wicket was very short, as he played only six deliveries in the innings before he was chopped on against Shaheen Afridi. Shaheen was high on confidence after getting Indian captain Rohit Sharma out after the rain break. He delivered one outside delivery to entice Virat Kohli for a drive. Virat did go for it without moving his feet, and the face of the bat was also out of place. The ball rattled Virat Kohli’s stumps after taking an inside edge. This wicket provided Pakistan with a boost in morale in a high-octane encounter.

Shaheen Afridi picked up four wickets against India. India were struggling after losing four early wickets in just 66 runs. Shubman, Gill, and Shreyas Iyer also went back early as Haris Rauf dismissed them with a great ploy. After the 4th wicket, wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan and all-rounder Hardik Pandya added 138 runs for the 5th wicket to take India out of a crisis. Ishan Kishan scored 82 runs in 81 balls, while Hardik Pandya scored 87 runs in 90 balls. The second innings was not possible due to heavy rain at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.