New Delhi: Babar Azam-led Pakistan is all set to clash against Rohit Sharma-led India in its first match of T20 World Cup 2022 on 23rd October at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ground. The Men in Green had handed a humiliating 10-wicket defeat to India in the previous edition of T20 World Cup, which was their first win over India in the history of World Cup. In that match, pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi literally destroyed the Indian top order, taking wickets of batting greats Rohit Sharma (0), KL Rahul (3) and Virat Kohli (57).
Meanwhile, during the captain's media interaction on Saturday, Pakistan captain Babar Azam was asked to give an update regarding Shaheen Afridi's availability for the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match. Babar, who turned 28 on Saturday, said that the pace bowler is fully fit and ready to give his 100 percent.
"Shaheen has come back, Fakhar has also come back. For the first game, we have six days and we have two practice games as well. We have to utilise that. Shaheen especially the way he has come back, he is fully fit and he always gives his 100 per cent. Looking forward to seeing him play," said Babar.
"Pakistan have always come up with quality pace bowlers. Our fast-bowling lineup is also very strong. With Shaheen coming back, it will become stronger. We have played with different combinations in our previous games. Haris Rauf has improved his bowling with the new ball and at the death. We can go with different combinations," said Babar.
When asked to comment on India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match, Babar said: "Whenever you play against India, it is always a high-intensity game. Fans also wait for this match, we enjoy the contest on the field. We try to play good cricket and we look to give our best."