02 September,2023 04:05 PM IST | Pallekele | mid-day online correspondent
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pic: @TheRealPCB/X)
Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi announced himself as the player to watch out for this Asia Cup by putting India on the back foot in a devastating spell inside the Powerplay. Reminding fans of an instance during the T20 World Cup in Dubai, it was a clear attempt from captain Rohit Sharma to avoid being trapped in front by Afridi. Going off the numbers, India certainly won't be the only team Afridi troubles with the new ball.
It was a smooth ride for Sharma for a while as Afridi missed his length a few times and later flicked on for boundaries by the Indian. However, following a brief spell of rain, Afridi found his length and got through the defenses of one of the best ODI batters.
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Then followed a fast fuller delivery that comfortably beat the inside edge of Sharma's willow and crashed right onto his stumps. Fired-up Afridi caught another big fish, this time former captain Virat Kohli, in the very next over. Kohli-Rohit's dismissal leaves India in a spot of bother at 28 for two inside just seven over. More than the two wickets, it is what Afridi can do with the new ball that is especially noteworthy. One suspects the 23-year-old will continue to put rivals on the back foot over the remainder of the tournament.
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Meanwhile, rain had halted play as India reached 15 for no loss with Rohit batting on 11 off 18 balls. His opening partner Shubman Gill was yet to open his account after consuming eight balls when rain intervened. Pakistan pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah bowled with full intensity though the latter got more out of the surface.
Team India won the toss and elected to bat against Pakistan with the threat of rain looming over the marquee clash. Intermittent rain all through the morning kept ground staff on their feet in Pallekele, where a thin crowd was seen watching the hotly anticipated 50-over match in a preamble to next month's ODI World Cup.
(With agency inputs)
