Beating Pakistan in India and Asian subcontinent is going to be close to impossible: Shoaib Akhtar

Pakistan seamers have impressed everyone in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 with their marvellous performances. Courtesy of their stupendous show, the Babar Azam-led side has been able to dismiss their opposition in all three matches so far. The trio of Haris Rauf (9 wickets), Naseem Shah (7 wickets) and Shaheen Afridi (7 wickets) take the top three spots in the leading wicket-takers list for the tournament.

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has been mighty impressed with the Pakistan pace trio and expressed happiness on Pakistan’s ability to produce quality fast bowlers over and over again. He further went on to name Shaheen Afridi among the best fast bowlers in world cricket at the moment.

“I am very happy that Pakistan is able to produce such fast bowlers over and over again. I don’t know what the reason is. First, there used to be a lot of fast bowlers from Punjab. Now, there is one from Rawalpindi, and two are Pathans. And the Pathans are very, very rugged and tough. One of the best fast bowlers in the world right now, I would say, is Shaheen Shah Afridi. He is on top of his career right now. Haris Rauf has the same mindset again to take wickets,” said Akhtar in a virtual press conference organized by Star Sports.

Akhtar further called Pakistan as hot favourites for the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup 2023 scheduled to begin in India from October 05.

Pakistan will land in India as the favourites: Shoaib Akhtar

“Pakistan will go into India, land in India as the favourites. I will be very honest with you. And Asia Cup at the same time, I think they are one of the favourites. And India and Pakistan are the two teams playing in the subcontinent, beating India in India is going to be the most impossible thing, but beating Pakistan in India in the subcontinent, it's going to be a close to impossible,” he added.

Also Check: Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan vs India Live Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

India and Pakistan are all set to clash in the Super 4 stage of Asia Cup on Sunday, September 10 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. A reserve day has been kept for the much-anticipated game, with the forecast of rain throughout the match.