IND vs PAK, World Cup 2023: Former India star backs Virat Kohli to overcome Shaheen Afridi challenge

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Former India player Harbhajan Singh has made a bold claim ahead of India's gigantic clash against Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2023 on Saturday (October 14).

The Indian team will lock horns against the arch-rivals at the Narendra Modi stadium and the stakes are high as ever. With less than 24 hours to go in this humongous tie, the level of excitement has gone beyond the expectation.

Amid this, Harbhajan claims Virat Kohli will overcome Shaheen Shah Afridi challenge in the match. Speaking to Star Sports, Harbhajan said the battle between Kohli and Afridi will be intriguing, but he backed the Indian stalwart to prevail.

"It is a good battle but I feel the sort of form Virat is in, he will win this battle. Shaheen pitches the ball extremely full and tries to get batters out lbw or bowled with the new ball," said Harbhajan at Star Sports.

He also added that the Pakistani speedster is not as effective when the conditions don't suit him, and feels he may find things difficult in Ahmedabad.

"Shaheen has not left such a big impression in the last five to seven matches, if you include the Asia Cup and the World Cup. He needs the conditions. If the conditions are good, he becomes an excellent bowler but if the conditions are not in his favor, he is just a decent bowler," the former Indian spinner added.

Virat Kohli vs Shaheen Afridi

To be honest, Kohli and Shaheen have only met two times. The Indian batter has yielded 34 runs off Afridi in 22 balls, while the Pakistani bowler got Kohli out once. Kohli has also hit four boundaries off Afridi so far in his career.

India and Pakistan are currently tightly positioned in the points table. India sitting 3rd while Pakistan have occupied the 4th position.