‘They can produce match-winning performances’ – Younis Khan backs Mohammad Rizwan, Rohit Sharma to shine in India-Pakistan T20 WC clash

Former Pakistan batter Younis Khan has backed Rohit Sharma and Mohammad Rizwan to perform well in the upcoming India-Pakistan clash on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Rizwan is currently in the form of his life as he is the leading run-scorer in T20Is in 2021. The right-hander has smashed 752 runs from 14 innings at an average of 94 with one ton and seven fifties.

Rohit, on the other hand, has shown his prowess at the highest level, having smashed four centuries in T20Is and the only man to do so. Younis, one of Pakistan’s legendary cricketers, said that because the spotlight will mostly be on the two skippers – Babar Azam and Virat Kohli – Rohit and Rizwan may not feel the pressure a whole lot.

Younis Khan shares his opinion

“Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are two very bankable batsmen for both India and Pakistan respectively, but I feel that Rohit Sharma and Mohammad Rizwan can also turn up the heat. The spotlight will largely be on the two captains, so Rohit and Rizwan will be eased off pressure and can produce match-winning performances for their sides,” Younis said on his YouTube channel.

Babar happens to be the second-highest run-scorer in T20Is in 2021. The 27-year-old has racked up 523 runs at an average of 37.35 with one century and four half-centuries. He also scored a century against South Africa earlier this year. Virat also averages over 50 in T20Is with 28 centuries to show for his efforts.

Younis also had words of praises for India’s fast bowling unit and lauded Jasprit Bumrah for growing leaps and bounds. Moreover, the veteran didn’t forget to appreciate the Pakistan fast bowlers for being in rhythm going into the World Cup.

“Pakistan’s fast bowlers have been in good shape. For India, their pace attack has improved significantly in the recent past as well. Bumrah, in particular, has been brilliant in the last few months,” he added.

Pakistan have Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali as their front-line fast bowlers. Earlier they picked Mohammad Hasnain in their squad only to leave him out later. Pakistan are yet to beat India in T20 Cups since 2007.