In a huge showdown scheduled for today, the grand clash of the Asia Cup 2023 is set to take place between India and Pakistan (IND vs PAK), the arch-rivals of the Asian cricket world.
The spectacle will attract Sri Lanka’s Palekal as the two cricketing giants India vs Pakistan, who hold top-ten rankings globally, lock horns in the One-Day International (ODI) format after a gap of four years.
The anticipation of fans around the world is palpable, though concerns are clouded over the ominous rain forecast for the ODIs, which begin at the 3.00 p.m. stroke.
The spotlight shines on this contest mainly because of the thrilling encounter between Pakistan’s pace artillery and India’s formidable batting prowess.
The stadium, with a seating capacity of around 35,000, is expected to be packed with enthusiastic supporters.
Rohit Sharma, at the helm of Team India, commands a formidable lineup that blends youthful exuberance with seasoned experience. The likes of Gill, Iyer, Kishan and the revered Kohli form the backbone of India’s batting arsenal.
On the other side of the crease, Pakistan’s bowling will rest on the shoulders of Afridi, Naseem Shah and Rauf. Pakistan announced their opening eleven a day in advance, adding to the intrigue.
Shami’s lethal bowling tandem, complemented by India’s Bumrah, who returns after recovering from injury, could pose a significant challenge to Pakistan’s batting order, including the likes of Babar and Imam.
The versatile talents of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are set to play a key role in Team India’s quest for victory, while Kuldeep Jadeja is likely to be seen as the designated spinner.
The perennial question arises – who do the head to head statistics favor?
India and Pakistan (IND vs PAK) have clashed 17 times in the crucible of the Asia Cup. In this conflict, Team India has emerged victorious in 9 encounters, with Pakistan claiming victory 6 times.
In the past decade, only seven ODIs have been played between these titans, with India winning 5 of these encounters, and Pakistan winning twice. Notably, India also won the 2018 ODI Asia Cup against Pakistan.
However, it is worth noting that the specter of rain looms large, casting a shadow of uncertainty over this highly anticipated match.
Under the astute leadership of captain Babar Azam, the Pakistani team has the stalwarts of Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan as wicketkeeper, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
While fan excitement is at its peak in the lead-up to this clash, the meteorological forecast introduces an element of unpredictability.
Ind vs PAK Probable Playing XI for asia cup 2023
India (probable):
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Pakistan (probable):
Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul Haq, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.
This much-anticipated clash promises a spirited showdown between the two cricketing powerhouses, against the backdrop of capricious weather conditions.
