Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan has the best new-ball attack in the game, says Sunil Gavaskar

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has tipped Pakistan’s fast bowling-up as the best new-ball attack in the game. Pakistan has a potent pace battery line-up in Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, who all have been in top form in the recent past.

While Rauf is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Asia Cup with nine wickets, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi share the second spot, with seven wickets each in three games.

The trio can bowl consistently above 140 kmph and they can also breathe down the neck of the opposition batters with their swing and seam.

Shaheen Shah Afridi had scalped four wickets against India in the group stage match of the Asia Cup whereas Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf had snared three wickets apiece. Furthermore, Rauf continued his good show against Bangladesh in the opening game of the Super Fours as he bagged a total of four wickets whereas Shah picked up three.

Pakistan has always had a brilliant fast-bowling line-up with the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, and Mohammad Asif and they continue to impress on the International scene.

“At one point of time it was Australia and Pakistan probably shared that number 1 and number 2 spot because Pakistan have always had top-class new-ball bowlers. But at this point of time, they have the most lethal new-ball attack in the game,” said Gavaskar on India Today.

The Little Master added that Pakistan also have variety in their pace attack and it makes them more lethal.

“They have a left-arm, right-arm combination. They can move the ball both ways at good pace. So, it’s not easy for any batter to get aggressive against them from the word go,” Gavaskar added.

India will take on Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday.