Pakistan need bigger partnerships to push India in Super four clash, claims Venkatesh Prasad

India's last performance against Pakistan, on September 19, resulted in a remarkable victory for the Indians with Pakistan being bowled out for just 162 runs. Initially, Pakistan had won the toss and chose to bat and the opening partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq was non-existent as Bhuvneshwar Kumar ran through them early. Despite Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik consolidating the innings to an extent, the Indian spinners ensured that the team in green finished with a sub par score. 

“Against India, they will hope for leg-spinner and allrounder Shadab Khan to be fit in time for the match. In the previous match between the two sides, the youngster foxed India’s in-form skipper Rohit Sharma with his googly but had to be rested for Friday’s match against Afghanistan," he said.

“The Afghans have made rapid progress and it would not be out of place to call them one of the most competitive teams in the tournament," Prasad said. "Given their win against Sri Lanka and the fight they put up against Pakistan, they are a dangerous side. Do not be surprised if they emerge the winners on Sunday night,” he said.

Prasad was all praises for the Indian bowlers stating that they have continued their good form in the Asian Cup, after they performed well in the England series. He also appreciated Ravindra Jadeja for snatching four wickets in his coming back match.

"Against Bangladesh, it was heartening to see the return of Ravindra Jadeja to one-day internationals after more than a year. I’m not surprised by his form because I’ve always believed Jadeja is better suited to the shorter format of the game,” he added.