India-Pakistan clashes have usually been billed as a contest between India's batting strength and Pakistan's bowling might. In this Asia Cup's marquee game in Pallekele on Saturday, quicks, especially those of the current Pakistan side, are capable of making a bigger impact, feels former pacer Aaqib Javed.
A member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning squad and someone who also came across as India’s nemesis in the 90s, Javed believes Team India could be in for some tough times if the pace trio — Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf — hit the right lengths.
Besides, Pakistan’s quicks are slightly ahead of their Indian counterparts in terms of death bowling, feels Javed. “Compared to that of Pakistan, I believe India’s death bowling is weaker,” Javed, who represented Pakistan in 22 Tests and 163 ODIs with 54 and 182 wickets, respectively, told The Telegraph from Lahore.
“(Jasprit) Bumrah is definitely right up there. He’s very effective at the death with his yorkers and variations, but I don’t think (Mohammed) Shami and (Mohammed) Siraj are as good in the closing overs. That’s where I think Pakistan are ahead,” Javed, also a former Pakistan bowling coach, said.
Though the last four meetings between the arch-rivals since 2021 have all been in T20Is, Pakistan quicks have been able to make early inroads in most of those matches though India went on to win twice. In their previous meeting, in Melbourne during last year’s T20 World Cup, India, despite chasing only 160, could win primarily due to Virat Kohli’s breathtaking knock (82 not out) and some contentious calls in the deciding over.
Given the Pakistan pacers’ recent form, Javed feels the likes of Shaheen and Naseem can once again wreck India’s top order. “After quite some time, Pakistan have the right composition when it comes to their pace attack. It reminds me of our attack in the 90s.
“With the new ball, Shaheen and Naseem, being a left-arm right-arm combination, complement each other brilliantly. If Shaheen picks up early wickets, the heat will again be on India,” Javed, now 51, said.
Aaqib Javed. File photo
Even on Sri Lankan pitches that are usually flat and on the slower side, Javed believes Pakistan pacers are capable of getting more purchase than the Indians. “In the first few overs, the ball does do a bit in Sri Lanka because of the humidity there.
“Also, Shaheen and Naseem can swing it both ways and if they remain accurate, it will be good for Pakistan. In fact, this attack should do well in Sri Lankan conditions. Age, too, is on their side,” Javed, whose best ODI bowling figures of 7/37 (including a hat-trick) came against India at Sharjah in October 1991, reasoned.
Bumrah rhythm
Talking about Bumrah, who made his comeback to competitive cricket in the Ireland T20Is earlier this month, Javed thinks India’s pace spearhead should gradually be back to his best once the ODI World Cup begins this October.
“It’s not easy. When you’re just back from an injury, some doubts remain in your mind.
“It’s not possible to be back with a bang straightaway, but Bumrah is mentally strong and a quality bowler. These games should help him prepare even better for the World Cup,” Javed said.
