Pakistan‘s 2009 T20 World Cup-winning captain Younis Khan said the Indian opener Rohit Sharma and Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan can produce match-winning performances for their respective sides. His comments came ahead of long-awaited India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 24.

This will be the first time that Virat Kohli and Babar Azam will be facing each other as captains. Keeping that in mind, Younis said that since the pressure will be shouldered by the captains, it will allow breathing space for Rohit and Rizwan to fire.

Also Read | T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma’s record vs Pakistan

“Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are two very bankable batsmen for both India and Pakistan respectively, but I feel that Rohit Sharma and Mohammad Rizwan can also turn up the heat. The spotlight will largely be on the two captains, so Rohit and Rizwan will be eased off pressure and can produce match-winning performances for their sides,” Younis said on YouTube channel “Uncut.”

The former right-handed Pakistan batsman said that the Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah could possibly be a threat to the Pakistan cricket team.

Also Read | T20 World Cup: Ahead of India vs Pakistan clash, a look at numbers, stats

“Pakistan’s fast bowlers have been in good shape. For India, their pace attack has improved significantly in the recent past as well. Bumrah, in particular, has been brilliant in the last few months,” said the 43-year-old.

Kohli and Babar are two giants of the game in their respective nations and have done well to carve a name out for themselves. The Pakistan captain is often compared to Kohli. However, the former Pakistan captain said that Babar is yet to establish his international career.

Also Read | T20 World Cup: A look at India, Pakistan rivalry

“Both are top, top players. Babar is still young and he is building his career right now. Kohli, meanwhile, had made his debut in 2008 when I was still playing. I don’t particularly think that the comparison is fair but it’s good to see fans talking about the two players in good stead,” Younis Khan said.