DUBAI: Pakistan all-rounder and T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan came out in defence of right-arm speedster Hasan Ali and termed him a match winner.

Hasan, who made his way back into the national squad for the Asia Cup 2022 following Mohammad Wasim Jr ruling out with a side strain, received words of encouragement from all-rounder Shadab.

“No doubt we’ll miss Shaheen and Wasim. Injuries happen in the game and it happened to our two good bowlers this time,” Shadab stated.

“Our other bowlers are also match winners and without a doubt, Hasan too is our match winner,” he continued.

The leg-spinner also opined regarding the former Indian captain Virat Kohli and wished the latter to perform well in the tournament but not against Pakistan.

“Kohli is still a legend. I wish he does well in the tournament but not against our team,” Shadab stated.

Pakistan’s vice-captain then went on to comment on the most anticipated match of the Asia Cup and claimed that every player wants to perform exceptionally well in Pakistan-India matches.

“We defeated India, but that is a thing of the past now. We have a new match against them and we are looking forward to it,” Shadab insisted.

“Every player wants to be a hero by performing in Pakistan India match,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that the 15th edition of the Asia Cup will kick off tomorrow as the hosts Sri Lanka take on Afghanistan in the curtain raiser. The Green Shirts will start their campaign on August 28 against arch-rivals India.

READ: Wasim Jr ruled out of Asia Cup 2022, Hasan returns to Pakistan Squad