In the opening game of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, Babar Azam hit 151 runs against Nepal and set the tournament ablaze. He looked in incredible touch ahead and hence, the Indian bowlers can face some difficulties when these two sides meet each other in Pallekele on September 2. However, former India international Mohammad Kaif isn’t bothered about the form of Pakistan cricket and has kept his faith in Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah.
He mentioned that the Pakistan skipper will have trouble dealing with the Indian pacers, who are in great form at the moment. Notably, Shami was incredible in the series against West Indies, while on his return, Bumrah showed his class, picking up four wickets in two matches against Ireland, finishing as the leading wicket-taker of the series and can prove to be extremely dangerous in the Asia Cup. Hence, Kaif believes that Babar will not be able to score freely as he did against Nepal.
“Mohammed Shami is a fantastic bowler, his form is also very good. And even in Bumrah’s absence, he managed the bowling very well. Even his form in the IPL was great. So he has a lot of talent. In my opinion, Babar Azam is going to have a lot of difficulty facing Mohammed Shami” Kaif said on Star Sports.
The result will come running to us if we give our 100%: Mohammed Shami
Speedster Mohammed Shami is confident of team India’s chances in the ongoing Asia Cup. He mentioned that he is ready to bowl anytime in the match and does not have that ego in him. The 32-year-old added that both Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have worked hard alongside him and hence, he is optimistic about India’s success in the coming times.
“I don’t have any hesitancy to bowl with the new ball or the old ball. I don’t have an ego like that. All three of us (Bumrah, Shami & Siraj) are bowling very well, so it depends on the management on who will play. There is only one goal, to go and give our 100%, the result will come running to us if we give our 100%. So it is very important to focus and execute, it’s a very simple plan,” Shami said.