‘Virat Kohli Is Not There, If…’: Ex-Captain Explains How Pakistan Can Beat India In Asia Cup | Cricket News

Virat Kohli plays a match-winning knock of 82* against Pakistan in T20 WC 2022 at MCG. (AP image)

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes that Salman Agha’s men in green have a great opportunity to leave an impact in the Asia Cup when they face India on Sunday. The ongoing continental championship is India’s first multi-nation T20 tournament since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from the format last year. Misbah believes that Pakistan will have the edge since the Indian stalwarts are no longer there in the dressing room.

Speaking to Pakistan’s Tapmad, Misbah suggested that Pakistan can take control if they strike early against India.

“Pakistan definitely have an opportunity here. If they (India) don’t get a good start and lose two wickets, then Virat Kohli isn’t there. Their batting is different, too, and they haven’t played much against these bowlers, so Pakistan’s bowling also has an opportunity. If you can create that gap from the top, then you’ll have a chance. But again, the key point is: Pakistan needs a good start,” Misbah said.

Virat Kohli called time on his T20I career after steering India to the World Cup crown in Barbados last year.

Since then, the batting unit has taken a new shape with youngsters Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma stepping up alongside skipper Suryakumar Yadav. India, though, head into the Pakistan clash high on confidence after a commanding start in the Asia Cup.

Kuldeep Yadav’s brilliant 4/7 and Shivam Dube’s 3/4 skittled the UAE for just 57 – their lowest total against India.

Winning Starts for India and Pakistan

Both India and Pakistan went off the mark with a victory in their respective opening matches. India thrashed the UAE by 9 wickets, finishing a 58-run chase in 4.3 overs. On Friday, Pakistan defeated Oman by 93 runs to gain 2 points on the Group A tally.

However, India lead the points table with a staggering Net Run Rate (NRR) of +10. Pakistan are placed second with a +4.650 NRR. Only Afghanistan, on the Group B table, have a better NRR (+4.700) than Pakistan.