T20 World Cup: Suresh Raina predicts that 'Arshdeep will get Babar out'

Former cricketer also praised Pakistan captain

By Web Desk
October 21, 2022
Babar Azam (R) has faced Arshdeep Singh (L) for only six balls in the T20 Asia Cup 2022 — PCB/BCCI

KARACHI: Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has predicted that young pacer Arshdeep Singh will get the better of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam during the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 match between the two arch-rivals.

The former middle-order batter lavished massive praise on Babar, but he predicted that the left-arm pacer will send the Pakistan skipper back to the pavilion.

"He [Babar] is a good skipper and a really good cricketer. He has done really well for his team. But hopefully, when he comes to play against us, Arshdeep Singh will get him out," Raina told Quint.

There are only two days until the highly-anticipated clash between Pakistan and India, scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday. However, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, there is a high chance of rain on October 23 in the city.

Following their two encounters at the T20 Asia Cup 2022 last month, this will be the third time the two will meet in a T20I contest. Against Arshdeep, Babar scored six runs in as many balls, including a boundary and three dot balls, throughout two innings.

Earlier on Thursday, former Indian batter Virender Sehwag and ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan opined that Babar will become the top-scorer of the global event.

Sehwag stated that the 28-year-old batter brings a "sense of calmness" the way Indian batter Virat Kohli does, while Vaughan lauded him for his consistency.

The preliminary phase of the T20 World Cup in Australia began on Sunday last week, and concluded on Friday with the final group stage match. Netherlands and Zimbabwe joined Pakistan and others in Group B, while Ireland and Sri Lanka booked their spot in Group A. 

In a rematch of last year's final of the T20 World Cup, defending champions Australia will take on New Zealand in the Super 12 stage opener at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.

Another clash of the Super 12 stage will be between England and Afghanistan, which will take place at the Perth Stadium on Saturday.

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