Rohit Sharma nearing Shahid Afridi's Asia Cup record

Rohit Sharma [Image Credits: Twitter]

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will have a golden opportunity to leapfrog Pakistan swashbuckler Shahid Afridi when it comes to hitting the most sixes when the Asia Cup gets underway later this week.

Sharma, who made his Asia Cup debut back in 2008, has featured in 7 editions so far.

The stylish batter has smashed 21 sixes in his 27 outings so far in this continental event. He is currently at the third spot on the list, which is headed by Shahid Afridi.

The former Pakistan skipper hammered 26 sixes in his 27 outings. Sri Lankan opener Sanath Jayasuriya is second on the list with 23 sixes in 25 matches.

Apart from this, Rohit will also have a chance to become the first Indian to rack up 1000+ runs in the Asia Cup. Sharma has 883 runs against his name.

Rohit Sharma & co sweating it out ahead of their Asia Cup opener

Meanwhile, the Indian players hit the nets in Dubai ahead of their blockbuster campaign opener against Pakistan on Sunday (August 28).

The last time these two sides squared off in the Asia Cup, Rohit starred with the bat and led his side to back-to-back comprehensive wins.

However, Pakistan took their revenge at the T20I World Cup last year thanks to an unplayable opening burst from Shaheen Afridi.

Rohit was dismissed for a golden duck in that game and he will have a point to prove when he takes strike on Sunday, albeit against a Pakistani attack sans Afridi, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury.