A subtle post from Irfan Pathan has sparked chatter ahead of the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup showdown. The former India all-rounder wrote on social media: “Sri Lanka is the second-best team in the Asia Cup so far.”
Irfan Pathan tweet
To many, it seemed like a passing remark. But in the backdrop of Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s recent smirk at a press conference, it took on another meaning. Agha had gone viral when a journalist suggested Afghanistan were Asia’s second-best team. His raised eyebrows and knowing smile were seen as a sign that Pakistan deserved that spot. Pathan’s words, therefore, were quickly picked up as a veiled counter. The timing only added spice, coming just a day before the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash in Dubai. Sri Lanka have indeed shown their credentials. Pathum Nissanka became the fastest Sri Lankan batter to 2,000 T20 runs during a commanding win over Bangladesh. His fluent 50 off 34 balls, supported by Kamil Mishara’s unbeaten 46, helped Sri Lanka chase down 140 with ease. Wanindu Hasaranga’s return and the new-ball brilliance of Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera had earlier rocked Bangladesh, underlining why the islanders remain a force. For India, the focus is firmly on Sunday’s marquee contest. Suryakumar Yadav’s team brushed aside the UAE in their opener, but the Pakistan challenge will be different. The defending T20 World Cup champions have a spin attack capable of troubling any batting line-up. Amid political tension and calls for boycott on social media, the players have little choice but to let their cricket do the talking. And into this atmosphere, Pathan’s post has added a touch of intrigue, setting the tone for what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the India-Pakistan story.
