Asia Cup 2022: India vs Pakistan - 5 Player battles to watch out for

5. Yuzvendra Chahal vs Asif Ali

Yuzvendra Chahal, on the back of a successful Indian Premier League (IPL) season in April and May, has been India’s first-choice frontline spinner. The leggie was the highest wicket-taker in the competition, picking up 27 wickets in 17 games for Rajasthan Royals (RR). Former England spinner Graeme Swann called Chahal the best spinner in the world at the moment.

Chahal is also known for having great mental strength, to persist with tossing up the ball, despite getting hit. And, it has undoubtedly reaped the fruits for the star Indian spinner. He has picked up 26 wickets in his last 13 T20Is with an economy rate of just above 5.00. 

Chahal’s duel against Pakistan’s power-hitter Asif Ali could be an intriguing contest for the fans. Ali can take on bowlers and be the defining factor for the Men in Green towards the end of the innings. He played only one T20I this year and had a strike rate of over 160 in the previous year. He could briefly face Chahal in the Asia Cup fixture.