Asia Cup 2023: “They are a far more potent attack on flat wickets,” Karthik weighs in on India and Pakistan pace attacks

Karthik’s comment came after the group match between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup.

By Salman Anjum - 04 Sep, 2023

Comparing the pace attack of India and Pakistan, veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik said that they are evenly matched in terms of skill but the trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah from Pakistan holds an advantage on flat pitches due to their formidable pace and variations.

Karthik’s comment came after the group match between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup in Pallekele on Saturday (September 2).

While the high-voltage encounter ended in a no-result due to incessant rain in the second innings, the Pakistan pacers managed to show their exploits. Shaheen (4/35), Rauf (3/58) and Naseem (3/36) shared all 10 Indian wickets among them to bundle out the arch-rivals for 266 in 48.5 overs.

"Shaheen, Haris Rauf and Naseem can bowl 90-plus consistently and all three are very different. Shaheen Shah, obviously the left arm, has an angle to it and brings the ball back in, Naseem Shah swings the ball both ways," said Karthik while speaking to Cricbuzz.

"Haris is arguably one of the best bowlers right now at the back end of an inning because of his skid and the nasty bouncer that he's got," he added.

Karthik also reckons that these Pakistani fast bowlers are more potent on flat pitches.

"For me, they (Pakistani bowlers) are a far more potent attack on flat wickets. If there is something in the pitch, then both attacks (India and Pakistan) at all times become very equal but if I had to play an attack I have a feeling," he remarked.

Karthik further opined that the India troika of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami might produce less bounce compared to their Pakistani counterparts.

(With PTI Inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 04 Sep, 2023

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