DUBAI: Pakistani all-rounder and T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan came to the defense of right-arm sprinter Hasan Ali, calling him the match winner.
Hasan, who returned to the national team for the 2022 Asian Cup after Mohammad Wasim Jr ruled out with a lateral strain, received words of encouragement from the multi-talented Shadab.
“We will certainly miss Shaheen and Wasim. Injuries happen in the game and this time it happened to our two good bowlers,” Shadab said.
“Our other bowlers are also match winners and certainly Hasan is our match winner as well,” he continued.
The player also weighed in on former Indian captain Virat Kohli and wished the latter would perform well in the tournament but not against Pakistan.
“Kohli is still a legend. I hope he does well in the tournament, but not against our team,” Shadab said.
Then, the vice-captain of Pakistan commented on the most anticipated match of the Asian Cup and stated that all the players want to have an outstanding performance in the matches between Pakistan and India.
“We beat India, but that is a thing of the past.
We have a new game against them and we are looking forward to it”, insisted Shadab.
“Every player wants to be a hero by performing in the match between Pakistan and India,” he concluded.
It is pertinent to mention here that the 15th edition of the Asian Cup kicks off tomorrow when hosts Sri Lanka take on Afghanistan at the opening curtain. The Green Shirts will kick off their campaign on August 28 against arch-rival India.
READ: Wasim Jr ruled out of 2022 Asia Cup, Hasan returns to Pakistan squad
