“We face Shaheen, Haris, Naseem in the nets” – Abdullah Shafique response when asked on facing Jasprit Bumrah in Asia Cup.

Pakistan’s batter Abdullah Shafique offered a direct response when questioned about the upcoming Babar Azam-led match against India in the highly anticipated Asia Cup. The continental tournament is scheduled to kick off on August 30, featuring Pakistan’s opening clash against debutants Nepal at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

The Indian team is gearing up for the challenge and has received a significant boost with the return of their star fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, who had been sidelined due to injury for an extended period, is slated to rejoin the side during the away T20I series against Ireland. Additionally, Indian bowlers Shami and Siraj, absent from the recently concluded ODI series against West Indies, are anticipated to make a comeback, further strengthening India’s potent bowling lineup.

In the midst of these preparations, Shafique exudes confidence that Pakistan can successfully counter India’s formidable fast-bowling attack in the Asia Cup. The 23-year-old is convinced that the exposure he gains from Pakistan’s net practice sessions, where he faces the nation’s pace sensations such as Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, will prove invaluable to the team’s batting performance during the multi-nation event.

Reporter questioned “You face Haris, Naseem, Shaheen in the nets all the time during practice sessions. Do you find it easy when you take on the opposition bowlers then? Particularly if you talk about India… since it looks like Jasprit Bumrah is also coming back for Asia Cup.”

Shafique answered “Our bowling attack is pretty good, in fact, the best in the world. We face them (Shaheen, Haris, Naseem) in the nets… we face their challenging spells. And that gives us a lot of confidence and helps in our preparation. If we are playing good against them, we are obviously more confident against opponent bowlers.”