Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan bowling coach, backed his team to get better of arch-rivals India once again when the two Asian giants clash in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022 on October 23 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia.
He stated that the absence of Jasprit Bumrah for the T20 World Cup 2022 is a huge setback for Team India, while also expressing excitement for another India-Pakistan match at the iconic MCG.
Mahmood further added that Shaheen Afridi’s return from injury has further bolstered Pakistan’s bowling attack and he is sure of Pakistan beating India once more on Ovtober 23.
Mahmood told Cricket Pakistan: “Whenever there is an India vs Pakistan game, there is bound to be excitement. Pakistan's bowling is strong but the batting needs to improve. India have endured a big loss as they are already without Bumrah. And if Shaheen Shah Afridi regains fitness and plays, our pace attack will bolster further.”
He added, “However, this time around, the wickets will be different from the UAE. In Australia, the ball will come on to the bat better. It will be a good game, and given how mentally well Pakistan have been against India in recent games, I hope they will come out victorious again.”
Meanwhile, the PCB chairman, Ramiz Raja had confirmed that Shaheen will be "110 percent match ready" against India, and Mahmood hopes that the star pacer will return with the same intensity.
Mahmood signed off by saying, “Shaheen Shah Afridi will not have any problem on his return to the team. The pacer also started bowling after recovering from injury, and if he completes his rehabilitation process properly, he will not have any problems. Hopefully, Shaheen will be able to bowl well like before. All Pakistanis, including me, are praying for him.”
