There is a lot of buzz around the India versus Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2023, slated to be held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday (September 2).

Like always, the emotions are running high ahead of the marquee fixture. The excitement is such that neutral fans as well as cricketers are also talking about this blockbuster encounter.

Ahead of the marquee game, South African batting legend AB de Villiers has opined that India will have to pick the key wicket of Babar Azam early if they are to keep Pakistan quiet.

Notably, the Pakistan skipper starred with the bat in his team’s crushing 238-run victory over Nepal in the Asia Cup opener earlier this week.

Babar smashed 151 off 131 balls against Nepal at the Multan Cricket Stadium. His marathon knock was studded with 14 fours and 4 sixes.

“I love talking about Babar Azam because he is one of the best players we have ever seen play this game and not just now. He is a huge rock in the Pakistan batting order. If India wants to keep Pakistan quiet, this is the guy to dismiss early because he keeps the batting lineup together and acts as a glue in the Pakistan middle-order,” De Villiers said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

Hailing Babar as a “fantastic” player, AB de Villiers said Pakistan need him to do well in the Asia Cup and the subsequent World Cup.

“I met him first when he [Babar] was very young but quickly realized that this guy is here to stay. He has hurt bowling attacks all around the world and in all formats. He is a fantastic player and Pakistan need him in form for the Asia Cup and most importantly, for the World Cup,” he added.

Babar Azam has played five ODIs against India so far, scoring 158 runs at an average of 31.60 with the best score of 48.