Asia Cup 2023: Babar Azam is going to have a lot of difficulty facing Mohammed Shami, says Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif feels Babar Azam is going to have a lot of difficulty while facing Mohammed Shami in the Asia Cup 2023. Azam scored a brilliant knock of 151 runs off just 131 balls in the opening match of the tournament against depleted Nepal, to help Pakistan post 342 runs on the board and register a massive win of 238 runs.

This is the highest score by a captain in Asia Cup history and also the second-highest individual score in the tournament. Azam will look to continue the good show against India but he is going to have his work cut out against a quality bowling line-up.

Currently, Babar Azam is the number one batter in ICC ODI rankings for batters. Babar Azam has scored 3772 runs in 49 Test matches at an average of 47.75 whereas the flamboyant batter has amassed 5353 runs in 104 ODI games at an impressive average of 59.48.

The right-hander has accumulated 3485 runs in 104 T20Is at an average of 41.49, including three centuries.

On the other hand, Mohammed Shami is returning to International cricket after a while in the continental tournament. Shami is well known for his outswing and nagging line and length to breathe down the neck of the opposition batters.

In the 12 matches he has played in all formats of the game, Shami has picked up 23 wickets this year.

“Mohammed Shami is a fantastic bowler, his form is also very good. And even in Bumrah’s absence, he managed the bowling very well. Even his form in the IPL was great. So he has a lot of talent. In my opinion, Babar Azam is going to have a lot of difficulty facing Mohammed Shami,” said Kaif on Star Sports.

Shami has scalped 162 wickets in 90 ODI matches at an average of 25.99 and thus he has all the experience under his belt. The right-arm seamer is going to hold the key for India with the new ball along with Jasprit Bumrah.

India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on September 2.