IND vs PAK final at the Asia Cup. All seems set for a cracker of a contest. As usual, if the Indian batting can get the better of their bowling, Suryakumar Yadav‘s team would be certain winners. But if the Pakistanis can get Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill early, it could be a real struggle. Nonetheless, it becomes important see how their two frontline bowlers have performed against India in the past, and how the Indian batters have responded.
Haris Rauf Boasts of Better Record than Shaheen Afridi
For starters — the bowlers under consideration are Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, who have been brilliant in the tournament, returning with nine wickets each. Shaheen in the two matches against IND has been ineffective, not being able to bag a wicket. That has been the story of his career too, where he has played five matches, and only managed to bag four wickets, at an average of 39, with economy rate of 8.80.
Haris has been a touch better. In the September 21 game, he returned with figures of 2/26. In fact, he likes bowling against India, since he has 9 wickets in 6 matches, at an average of 20. So, it’s clear, that India has to manage Haris better. Now, let’s look at individual batter match-ups with these two bowlers.
Abhishek Sharma Great Against Shaheen
Starting with Abhishek Sharma, he has been devastating against Shaheen. In 14 deliveries he has scored 31 runs, with three sixes and two fours, at a strike-rate of 221. Again, Haris has been better. Abhishek has only managed 11 runs in 9 deliveries, with just one four.
Coming to Shubman Gill, against Shaheen in 53 deliveries, he has scored 62 runs. Average is 31, and strike-rate is under 120, including two dismissals. Haris again has done better. He has just given14 runs in 22 deliveries, with one out, that bring his average to 14 only. In all probability Suryakumar Yadav could be the no. 3 in the final, and he has worrisome record against the two.
Suryakumar Yadav Struggles Against Haris Rauf
In six balls against Shaheen, he has managed only six runs, out of which four have been dots. There has been no dismissal, but it is clear, that SKY struggles against the lanky pacer. And Haris has just been exceptional against IND captain. He has dismissed him thrice, in 10 deliveries, conceded only 11 runs and averages only 3.7
So, that makes it pretty evident, that the Indian top 3 will have to be wary of Haris more than Shaheen on the night of the final.
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