India vs Pakistan is ,without a doubt, one of the most heated rivalries throughout the world. Not only is the rivalry related to the political and social aspects of the two nations but it also extends to sports in every way possible. As cricket is the most widely appreciated sport in both the nations, the India vs Pakistan cricket match has become a sort of derby over the years and the two sides square off against each other with bragging rights at stake. And tomorrow’s faceoff between the two rival nations at the Dubai International Stadium, will be no different.
We know that Team India have built an immensely powerful squad for the 2021 T20 World Cup and they can be considered to be more than ready. However, things are not so amicable at Pakistan’s camp. Apart from Babar Azam, no other player is completely dependable and their failures at big stages like this are often caused by the inconsistency of the players.
However, young Shahnawaz Dahani gives them hope. The 23-year old pacer plays for Multan Sultans and made quite a name for himself in PSL 2021. He was the highest wicket taker of the season and with his stellar performance, won his maiden national call up for himself in the T20 World Cup. He is expected to be Pakistan’s surprise element in this tournament and the Indian batting order should be alarmed.
Shahnawaz Dahani is often referred to as the ‘Pakistani pacer with a smile’ and today, he proved once again why it is so. Dahani was in Pakistan’s training session when former Indian skipper MS Dhoni (the mentor of team India for the T20 World Cup) made his way into the stadium and was walking past the field. Shahnawaz Dahani was very close to him and seeing Dhoni, he said “Aap Dhoni hain…mai Dahani hoon.” In response, MS Dhoni said, “I am getting older now,” and to this, Shahnawaz acknowledged Dhoni’s fitness saying, “No, you’re even fitter than before.” It was a sweet moment between the two players and it shows us the child-like side of Shahnawaz Dahani.
Pakistan’s Shahnawaz Dahani has a chat with MS Dhoni during net session
