“We face Shaheen, Haris, Naseem in the nets”: Abdullah Shafique unfazed by Bumrah's challenge in Asia Cup 2023

Abdullah Shafique is yet to play a match against India ever since his debut in 2020.

Abdullah Shafique | GettyThe high-voltage India versus Pakistan clash in the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Before the World Cup encounter, the arch-rivals are due to square off in the Asia Cup 2023 on September 2 in Pallekele.

If the two teams qualify for the Super-4 stage, they will lock horns again on September 10 in Colombo while reaching the final would put them against each other for the third time in the competition on September 17.

The multiple clashes will also see an epic duel between the bowling attacks of India and Pakistan.

The Men in Blue have been bolstered by the return of Jasprit Bumrah after a lengthy-injury hiatus while likes of Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj will also return to action after being rested for the white-ball leg of the West Indies tour.

However, Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique isn’t concerned about tackling the Indian pace attack in the upcoming marquee events.

Addressing a media conference, Shafique said he faces the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah in the nets which makes him confident against any other bowler in the world.

During a media interaction, a reporter asked, “You face Haris, Naseem, Shaheen in the nets all the time during practice sessions. Do you find it easy when you take on the opposition bowlers then? Particularly against India as it seems like Jasprit Bumrah is also coming back for Asia Cup.”

In reply, Shafique said, “Our bowling attack is pretty good, in fact, the best in the world. We face them (Shaheen, Haris, Naseem) in the nets… we face their challenging spells. And that gives us a lot of confidence and helps in our preparation. If we are playing well against them, we are obviously more confident against opponent bowlers.”

Abdullah Shafique has played three ODIs and six T20Is for Pakistan so far. However, he is yet to face India ever since his debut in 2020.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 17 Aug, 2023

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