The much-awaited India vs Pakistan encounter has come, and gone. It ended up in a damp squib despite promising much.
The match was called-off after multiple interruptions by rainfall. However, one learning from the game was that Pakistan pacers are almost unplayable.
The trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf caused all the damage in Pallekele. India were bowled out for 266 runs under 49 overs. Afridi bagged a 4-fer, while Rauf and Naseem Shah picked three wickets each.
Afridi jolted India early on, castling both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli before Rauf sent back Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer to leave India tottering at 66/4 at one stage. At that point, Indian batsmen were all at sea against the pace of Pakistani bowlers.
Former Pakistani fast bowler Wahab Riaz took to social media to express his delight as Pakistan pacers were unplayable in the all-important match against India.
What did Wahab Riaz say about Indian batsmen?
Wahab was elated over the performance of Pakistani trio against arch-rivals India. He quoted on Twitter, "They Cannot Play Him (Them)", as the speedsters were on fire this evening.
Pakistani pacers have been performing against every opponent in international cricket. To dismantle a batting order like that of India, is a huge achievement in itself.
"The best pace battery in the world right now, well done boys", complimented Wahab Riaz.
They Cannot Play Him (Them) 🔥
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) September 2, 2023
The best pace 🚀 battery in the world right now, well done boys @iShaheenAfridi @HarisRauf14 @iNaseemShah 👏🏼#PAKvIND #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/ylbkDNAla5
MORE: Gill trolled after struggling against Pakistan in Asia Cup
How many wickets have Pakistani pacers picked in Asia cup 2023?
Pakistan has been an industry of producing top-class pacers. Over the years, the world cricket has seen some big names come out as superstar speedsters. The current lot of pacers is no different.
The Pakistani trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah has been electric in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. The trio leads the bowling charts for the tournament in terms of wickets taken. Pakistan have taken 20 wickets in two matches played at the Asia Cup. The pacers have bagged 15 of those wickets.
| Name | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Best Figures |
| Shaheen Afridi | 2 | 6 | 4.9 | 4/35 |
| Haris Rauf | 2 | 5 | 4.8 | 3/36 |
| Naseem Shah | 2 | 4 | 3.8 | 3/58 |
MORE: Why do Indian batsmen struggle against left-arm pacers?
