T20 World Cup 2022: Ravichandran Ashwin names a left-hander who can be 'power player' for Pakistan

India and Pakistan will meet again for the third time this year on October 23 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in their first game of T20 World Cup 2022 Super 12. So far, India and Pakistan have won a game each in the two fixtures this year between the sides and the upcoming fixture will be the one to watch out for. All kinds of match ups, strengths and weaknesses of the two sides have been discussed in the past few days among the fans and experts.

To add to the list, Ravichandran Ashwin spoke about what’s in store for the game against Pakistan and heaped praise on a left-hander who could turn out to be the difference between the two sides. The 36-year-old off-spinner is a master of analysing the opponents' strengths and he named Mohammad Nawaz to be the ‘power player’ for Pakistan in the line-up. 

In modern-day cricket, left-handers are a requisite commodity: Ravichandran Ashwin 

Ashwin lavished praises on the development of Nawaz in the T20 format and noted about the variety he brings in. He further highlighted the significance of left-handers in the modern era and added about Nawaz stepping up with all-round performances at crucial stages of the game.  

"Mohammad Nawaz has grown in stature with respect to his T20 cricket. He is a power player and has got variety since he is a left-hander.” 

"In modern-day cricket, left-handers are a requisite commodity. In addition to that, he is a 4-overs bowler for Pakistan. He is delivering them constantly and striking them clean when he bats." Ashwin said in a video on his Youtube Channel.  

Pakistan managed to clinch the recent T20I Tri-Series in New Zealand and Ashwin lauded the efforts of the Asian bowlers. He felt that a total of 180 was on the cards while the Kiwis were batting and explained how the Pakistan seamers nailed the Yorkers in the death overs to get back in the game. 

"Pakistan won the finals against New Zealand. Of course, New Zealand didn't post a big score in the finals. They could have scored above 180 but they didn't because of some quality bowling by Pakistan.” 

"Mohammad Wasim nailed the yorkers beautifully at the death overs. Haris Rauf also bowled beautifully. Pakistan proved yet again why fast bowling is their strength," he added.