India vs Pak: Key player battles to look forward to in the Asia Cup

Hardik Pandya vs Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan would look to restrict Hardik Pandya as his hard-hitting can change the course of the game

When all hope was lost during the finals, a ray of hope was provided by Hardik Pandya when he took Shadab Khan’s bowling apart by smashing him for sixes at will. While he couldn’t see India through in that game, Pandya would be looking to avenge the loss of the finals.

The Pakistani bowling attack lacks depth in the spin department and would be relying heavily on Shadab Khan. Khan, who has bagged 26 wickets in the last 16 games, would find it challenging to pose a threat against Pandya as the pitches have little assistance to offer to spinners.

On the other hand, the Indian all-rounder will probably be used in a floating position where he will have to go hard in the end overs. Given his prowess against the spinners, it will be interesting to see how and when both the captains use their trump cards.