'He will win this battle': Harbhajan Singh picks winner of Virat Kohli vs Shaheen Afridi contest

Renowned Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to prevail in his battle with Pakistani fast-bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi ahead of the highly-anticipated ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 clash between India and Pakistan. The match is scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14, 2023. Pakistan are yet to register a win against India in the 50-over ICC event. The arch-rivals have played a total of seven matches against each other in the ODI World Cup with India emerging victorious on all occasions. 

3 things you need to know

• This is the first time the Pakistan cricket team has come to India since 2016
• The last time India and Pakistan played in the ODI World Cup, India won
• India are ahead in the ODI World Cup head-to-head tally with a record of 7-0

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Harbhajan Singh picks between Virat Kohli and Shaheen Afridi

In an interview with Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh acknowledged that the face-off between Kohli and Afridi would be a thrilling contest. Still, he firmly supported the Indian batsman, citing Kohli's outstanding form. Kohli has impressively notched up back-to-back half-centuries in the initial two matches of the 2023 World Cup.

Harbhajan stated, "The upcoming showdown promises to be quite a contest, but I have a strong belief that given Virat's current exceptional form, he will win this battle. Shaheen Shah Afridi has a penchant for delivering full-length deliveries and aiming to dismiss batsmen through lbw or bowled when the new ball is in play."

[Virat Kohli in action for Team India in the ODI World Cup; Image: AP]

The former cricketer went on to analyze Afridi's performance, emphasizing that the Pakistani bowler excels when conditions favor him but becomes a more ordinary paceman when conditions are less favorable. In the 2023 World Cup, Afridi managed to secure only two wickets in the initial two matches.

Harbhajan remarked, "In his recent outings, spanning approximately five to seven matches, including appearances in the Asia Cup and the World Cup, Shaheen hasn't made a significant impact. He heavily relies on favorable conditions to shine. When conditions align with his strengths, he transforms into an outstanding bowler, but in less favorable situations, he performs at a more modest level."

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India at ODI World Cup 2023

India embarked on their 2023 World Cup journey with consecutive victories over the five-time champions, Australia, and the tournament minnows, Afghanistan. Pakistan, too, began their campaign on a positive note, securing wins against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in Hyderabad. As of now, India hold the third position in the World Cup 2023 points table with a net run-rate of +1.500, while Pakistan are positioned fourth with a net run-rate of +0.927.