In the arena of Asia Cup 2023, a thrilling showdown is set to unfold today as India and Pakistan (IND vs PAK)once again prepare to lock horns. This high-stakes encounter in the Super-4 round is scheduled to take place at the iconic R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with kick-off at 3 PM IST.
The formidable trio of Pakistani pace maestros – Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah – looms as a formidable challenge for the Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, and the ever-dependable Virat Kohli. Notably, Sharma and Kohli have grappled in previous encounters against the relentless Shaheen Shah Afridi.
In the grand stage of Asia Cup 2023, the cricketing powerhouses of India vs Pakistan are poised to renew their rivalry today, this time within the highly-anticipated Super-4 clash. A previous face-off during the group stage was marred by the intervention of inclement weather, resulting in a frustrating cancellation.
However, the stage is set at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo for a potential rematch, albeit with the looming threat of rain. The Sri Lanka Meteorological Department suggests an 80 to 90 percent likelihood of precipitation in Colombo.
Fortunately, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has a contingency plan in place for asia cup 2023, reserving a ‘rain day’ for the match. In the unfortunate event of a rain-induced cancellation today, the contest will be rescheduled for tomorrow. The burning question remains: Who will comprise the starting eleven for Team India in this crucial encounter?
The Colombo pitch awaits to test the mettle of Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The weather gods have ordained a rainy backdrop for the showdown, a condition that could prove conducive to the bowlers.
Delving into the pitch report of the R Premadasa Stadium, it becomes apparent that the Colombo wicket may not be a haven for batsmen. Earning every run will be an arduous endeavor for the batsmen, a scenario reminiscent of the recent clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
A similar narrative might unfold in the contest between India and Pakistan, with spinners potentially finding favor in the latter overs. Chasing a target of 280 runs could prove a herculean task on this demanding pitch.
The teams boast an array of exceptional bowlers. Pakistan’s bowling arsenal is spearheaded by star performers such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Faheem Ashraf.
Notably, Shaheen Shah Afridi was instrumental, claiming four wickets in their previous encounter against India, while Naseem and Haris clinched three wickets each. On the Indian front, Jasprit Bumrah is set to make a triumphant return to the squad after being omitted from the lineup for the previous match against Nepal.
This resurfacing presents a selection challenge for the Indian team management, as they weigh the options of including either the seasoned campaigner Mohammad Shami or the versatile all-rounder Shardul Thakur alongside Bumrah. Nevertheless, Bumrah’s inclusion is unquestionable, given his exceptional partnership with fellow pacer Mohammad Siraj.
The spotlight also falls on KL Rahul, whose fitness adds a layer of complexity to the Indian team’s selection conundrum for the Asia Cup 2023 match against Pakistan. Should KL Rahul return to the starting XI, it might entail the omission of Ishan Kishan, a decision fraught with difficulty given Kishan’s impressive form.
Kishan recently partnered with Hardik Pandya to craft a spectacular innings, amassing 82 runs against Pakistan, propelling the team to a formidable total of 266.
In a pivotal twist, the fast-bowling department for Team India welcomes the return of Jasprit Bumrah to the fold, marking his presence in today’s showdown. Bumrah had been conspicuously absent from the squad during their last encounter against Nepal, with Mohammad Shami stepping in as a substitute.
With Bumrah’s reintegration into the lineup against Pakistan, the dilemma centers on selecting either the experienced campaigner Mohammad Shami or the versatile all-rounder Shardul Thakur to complement Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. The assured place of Bumrah alongside his bowling partner, Mohammad Siraj, leaves little room for doubt.
India’s playing 11 team for asia cup 2023:
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, K.L. Rahul/Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur/Akshar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami/Mohammed Siraj.
Pakistan playing 11 team for asia cup 2023:
Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Jaman, Imam ul Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmad, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.