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'We Face Haris, Shaheen in Nets': Pakistan Opener Unfazed by Bumrah's Return in India's Asia Cup Squad

image-ller0zsoJasprit Bumrah has claimed six international wickets against Pakistan [Source: Twitter]

Billed as one of the most watched sporting rivalries, India and Pakistan will face each other in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. These arch-rivals will meet on September 2 in Group A encounter at Pallekele, which also has Nepal. 

Pakistan have named a solid 17-men squad for the continental tournament, led by Babar Azam, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce India's touring party members.  

Fresh from a historic Test series in Sri Lanka, Abdullah Shafique earns a well-deserved call-up for Asia Cup. Shafique, who is likely to play in the XI, speaking on Pakistan's upcoming match with India, expressed confidence in his batters.

As quoted by Hindustan Times, Shafique, 23, responding to a query about facing Jasprit Bumrah, explained how facing the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah in the nets have helped Pakistan batters gain assurance in their skills against top bowlers. 

Here's what Shafique said

“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. 

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,” 

Historically speaking, Bumrah has a decent record against Pakistan in white-ball formats, having claimed 4 ODI and 2 T20Is wickets, respectively in eight internationals.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians speedster will be in action after a long injury layoff, leading India against Ireland in the three-T20I series starting tomorrow.