Shadab’s standout performance with the ball, 3-42 in the final ODI against Afghanistan, propelled Pakistan to a decisive 59-run victory, sealing a clean sweep in the three-match ODI series.
Post the match, the all-rounder was questioned about Agarkar’s comments on how Team India plans to counter Pakistan’s menacing pace attack. To this, Shadab wittily responded to reporters, “Dekhiye, ye depend karta hai on a day. Main ya koi aur, ya unki taraf se koi aisa bol de, to bolne se kuch nahi hota, kuch change nahi hota. Jab match hoga, match mein jo cheezein nazar ayengi, asal cheez wahi hoti hai (See, it depends on a particular day. Me or somebody, or someone from India can make such a statement. Those are just words. Anybody can say anything and that doesn’t change or affect anything. When we have the match, then we will see what goes on. Real things happen in the match only).”
However, it’s important to note that the remarks Shadab referred to were allegedly made during India’s squad announcement for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. Various snippets from the press conference, including one posted on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), captured Agarkar stating, “Virat Kohli will handle them.”
Contrary to circulating rumours, Agarkar was reportedly not directly questioned about India’s strategy to counter Pakistan’s pace bowling prowess. Nonetheless, this lighthearted banter adds an extra layer of excitement to the impending clash between the two cricketing giants.
The upcoming Asia Cup match is slated to feature the in-form batter Virat Kohli against Pakistan’s potent pace attack. Kohli, who has faced Pakistan primarily in the T20I format since 2019, has managed to accumulate an impressive 158 runs against the likes of Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf. His overall record against Pakistan showcases his mastery, with 488 runs scored across 10 matches at an average of 81.33 and an impressive strike rate of 123.85.
Cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the showdown between these arch-rivals, scheduled to take place on September 2 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.
(With inputs from ANI)