The Asia Cup 2022 has truly come alive as Afghanistan faces Pakistan in a must-win game to keep their hopes alive in the Super 4 stage of the tournament. The match will see the likes of Rashid Khan take on Babar Azam, two players who haven’t had quite the tournament they would have hoped for. With the tactical warfare already in motion, all eyes will be on Pakistan vs Afghanistan, with Pakistan eyeing a place in the highly anticipated finals of the Asia Cup 2022.
Speaking on Star Sports show ‘Game Plan’, Aakash Chopra spoke about how Afghanistan can use their bowlers effectively against the Pakistan batting line-up and how important a role Rashid Khan will play in Afghanistan’s match against Pakistan in the DP World Asia Cup 2022, “I say Mujeeb will bowl three because he will bowl the first over, he will start in the Power Play overs. Nabi might think about Rashid Khan and then might end up resisting the temptation because Rashid’s numbers over the Power Play-overs aren’t very flattering. Secondly, you already have a different role for Rashid, almost set in stone; you have to bowl the middle overs, maybe an over in the back five because what you are up against is a very quality batting line-up. So, it’s not just about the top three. Khushdil is in form, Nawaz scores runs, and Asif hasn’t failed in a run chase. So, you know this team has got the power. Yes, mercurial, but Rashid plays a very different role.”
Aakash spoke about how Pakistan will use its bowlers efficiently to curb the Afghan batsmen’s firepower. “Their bowling attack looks quite all right. If Hazarathullah Zazai is there for a little longer and Najibullah Zadran comes in a little early, they can go to Iftikhar and ask him to bowl his over. He is someone who will give you a few overs of off-spin, so they do have the option, but what’s in Pakistan’s favor, in my opinion, is their fast bowling. Of course, the pitch is not suited for faster bowlers, but then Madhushanka got two wickets, so you can still go in and do your thing, at least be economical, so that the two spinners take the bulk of your wickets. So, even though they have only two spinners, Pakistan still has a very potent attack.”