Asia Cup 2023: Mohammad Rizwan reacts to 'They can't play him' remark used for Shaheen Afridi vs India

Shaheen Afridi once again unleashed his wrath on India during the Group A fixture between the two teams in Asia Cup 2023 as he bowled a magnificent spell of 4/35 in ten overs. His four-wicket haul included prized scalps of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. Shaheen’s spell reminded fans of his famous three-wicket haul against India during the 2021 T20 World Cup which helped Pakistan beat their arch-rivals for the first time in World Cups.

During that game, a line by commentator Nasser Hussain went viral all over the internet as he said, “They can’t play him” to describe India’s struggles against Shaheen. Recently, the phrase once again resurfaced with the former Pakistan Prime minister using it in his Tweet to praise Shaheen for his menacing spell against India in Asia Cup.

Recently, Pakistan wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan was asked about the use of this phrase to hail Afridi. He answered by saying that with the amount of talent that the Pakistan fast bowlers possess, they can pose problems for all batters and not just for India.

"Our fast bowlers have played a crucial role in taking us to the No.1 spot. And the three fast bowlers we are talking about, they are not just going to pose difficulty for the Indian top-order but for every team. They are gifted bowlers. And if you look at our bench strength, that is also very good and that is why we have risen to the top," Rizwan was quoted as saying by HIndustanTimes.

Further speaking ahead, Rizwan praised India for putting a good total on the board despite losing early wickets in the previous game between the two teams.

"Their batters also haven't faced our bowlers a lot. They lost early wickets but they put close to 270 on the board. Similarly, we will also have plans when their bowlers will come up against us. India have a good bowling attack, some of the world's best who will obviously challenge us. But as professionals, we should be ready with the answers," Rizwan added.

Rain threat looms large over Pakistan vs India Super 4 game

Meanwhile, India and Pakistan are all set to clash again in the Super 4 fixture of Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday, September 10 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. There’s heavy rain predicted during the match once again, however, ACC (Asian Cricket Council) have kept a reserve day in place to force a result this time around. Pakistan have already named their playing XI one day in advance while India have a lot of thinking to do to finalise their team combination after the recovery of KL Rahul.

Also Check: Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan vs India Live Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo