Pakistan has a history of producing world-class fast bowlers.
Several notable fast bowlers have left their mark have left their mark on international cricket, with names like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar standing out.
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Currently, the responsibility of carrying forward this legacy rests with Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, who have been doing a commendable job with their performances.
Leading up to the Asia Cup 2023, Pakistani fast bowlers have been in sensational form. In the inaugural match of the 3-match ODI series against Afghanistan, the trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah collectively scalped 8 wickets, with Haris achieving a fifer to bowl out the opposition for just 59!
In fact, statistic shows that post-2019 World Cup, the Pakistan pacers has amassed 163 wickets at an impressive average of 27 across 29 matches.
Bangladesh rank second in this category, with their fast bowlers clinching 189 wickets in 45 matches at an average of 28.33.
Meanwhile, the fast bowlers of the Indian team occupy the fourth position, having secured 258 wickets at an average of 30.44. However, India's average could have been better if Jasprit Bumrah had not been on the sidelines for almost a year.
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Best Pace-Attack for a reason ⚡️🇵🇰
— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) August 24, 2023
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(Data updated till August 23, 2023)
Do Indian batsmen need to be careful against Pakistani pacers in Asia Cup & World Cup?
The likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are veteran customers who have played against Afridi, Rauf and Shah previously in their careers.
In fact, Sharma boasts of an average of 42.94 in ODI against Pakistan, whereas Kohli turned out to be the nightmare of the entire bowling unit courtesy of his unbeaten 82 off 53 at the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Although the mainstays of the Indian batting line-up have performed exceptionally well against Pakistan, they cannot afford to throw caution to the wind in the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.
Afridi has proven time and again that he has the potential to run through the opposition on his day, whereas, Rauf and Shah have been equally effective with both the new and old balls.
Hence, cricket connoisseurs can expect an enthralling battle between bat and ball when the two sub-continent giants lock horns in the Asia Cup.
When is India - Pakistan game in Asia Cup?
India will face Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup on September 2 in what will be a blockbuster match-up.
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