Asia Cup 2022: Naseem Shah set to make his T20I debut against India

Pakistan’s young pacer Naseem Shah will make his T20I debut against the arch-rivals India in both teams’ tournament opener of the 2022 T20 Asia Cup to be played on Sunday. The right-arm pacer recently made his ODI debut against the Netherlands in a three-match ODI series. After his good performances with the ball, Naseem was named into Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad.

The right-arm pacer has represented his country in 13 Tests and three 50-over matches. In these 16 encounters, Naseem has scalped a total of 43 wickets. The 19-year-old said that today’s match against India is a big one, but he will try to take it as a normal encounter.

Making a debut in any format is important for your career: Naseem Shah

“I recently made my ODI debut recently and performed. Making a debut in any format is important for your career. Today is a big match, but I will try to play as a normal match,” Naseem said in a video released by PCB.

🗣️ "Happy to represent Pakistan in all formats"@iNaseemShah will be making his T20I debut today against India 👏#AsiaCup2022 | #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/cc9IDCEGhk

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 28, 2022

Both India and Pakistan will take on each other in their group stage encounter of the 2022 T20 Asia Cup slated to be played at the Dubai International Stadium on August 28 (Sunday). It must be noted that the Men in Blue suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Pakistan at the same ground during the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Chasing 150+ runs to win, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and the wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan completed their respective fifties and completed an easy chase. However, a lot has changed since then. Team India is now under the command of new skipper Rohit Sharma who has been leading the Indian side very well, especially in the white-ball matches.

Both teams will also miss the services of their premier pacers. While Shaheen Afridi will not be in Pakistan’s playing XI, Jasprit Bumrah has also been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. However, both teams have announced a strong bowling line-up for the tournament and will look to win their first match of the tournament.