India and Pakistan are set to face off at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo in the Super 4 match of the 2023 Asia Cup this Sunday. Last weekend’s encounter between the two teams was rained out, and unfortunately, the weather forecast for the upcoming match doesn’t look promising either. Babar Azam‘s side had a convincing win over Bangladesh in their previous game, moving closer to securing a spot in the final. Babar Azam would be keen to get some big runs under his belt
As the weather forecast of this match does not look good, This Match will have a reserve day. If the match is halted by rain, The match will be continued from the same point tomorrow.
The Point is that only this match in the Super 4 will have a reserve day. This Decision by the ACC Has Raised many questions and eyebrows towards the ACC & Asia Cup 2023. Many Cricket Fans and Pundits Believe that this is unfair towards the other teams and they should object this decision.
Nevertheless, both the Arch Rivals India and Pakistan Face Each other Again in the Asia Cup 2023. In the previous meeting, Shaheen Shah Afridi made an impact early by dismissing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya played crucial innings, scoring 82 and 88 runs respectively, helping India reach a respectable total of 266 before rain intervened, resulting in a shared point for both teams.
VENUE FOR INDIA – PAKISTAN MATCH
R.Premadasa Stadium generally provides favorable conditions for batsmen, particularly in the initial innings, offering a good combination of speed and bounce that encourages exciting contests between bat and ball.
However, as the match goes on, the pitch tends to lose some of its pace and becomes more conducive to spin bowling, posing challenges for batsmen looking to score freely. Spinners are likely to have a significant impact on the game during the middle overs.
The forecast for Colombo anticipates cloudy skies with the possibility of a thunderstorms, particularly the whole day.
Average 1st Inns scores 232
Average 2nd Inns scores 191
TEAM PREVIEW
INDIA
India faced Nepal in a must-win contest. Given India’s recent struggles, they not only needed a victory but a convincing one.
Opting to field after winning the toss, India didn’t start well, dropping three catches in the opening five overs, allowing Nepal to build a substantial 65-run partnership. However, the bowlers regained control during the middle overs, dismissing Nepal for 230. Due to rain, India’s revised target was 147 runs in 23 overs, with Ravindra Jadeja leading the bowling with 3 wickets for 40 runs in his 10 overs.
In pursuit of the adjusted target, India required a strong start, which Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided by comfortably securing the win in a largely one-sided contest. Rohit Sharma contributed 74 runs from 59 balls, while Gill remained solid with 67 runs off 62 deliveries.
India is eagerly anticipating an improved performance from their top-order batsmen in the upcoming matches. The return of KL Rahul to the side brings both excitement and a selection dilemma, as Ishan Kishan’s outstanding form, particularly against Pakistan, adds to the quandary for team management.
Additionally, Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion is likely to see him replacing Mohammed Shami in the playing lineup. The choices made in these key positions will be closely watched and could greatly impact India’s prospects in the tournament.
EXPECTED XI OF INDIA vs PAKISTAN
Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
PAKISTAN
Pakistan, known for their ODI prowess, have carried that form into the Asia Cup. They’ve displayed consistency in the tournament and aim to replicate their recent success against Bangladesh.
Pakistan performed in every department against Bangladesh as they defeated them quite comfortably in their previous game.
Haris Rauf was exceptional, claiming 4 wickets for just 19 runs. Pakistan’s batting unit efficiently chased down the target with only three wickets down, sending a strong message ahead of their clash with India. Imam-ul-Haq led the way with 78 runs off 84 balls.
Pakistan will as usual look upon their two premier fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf To lead their bowling department. Both Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf took 4 and 3 wickets respectively in the last encounter against India.
All eyes will be on Babar Azam as well as he’s having quite an average tournament as per his standards. He will be keen to perform on the big stage and in that process return to form. He will be ably supported by Fakhar Zaman, Imam Ul Haq and Mohammed Rizwan.
Pakistan as usual announced their Playing XI one day prior to the match. They are playing the same XI which played against Bangladesh. They will look to continue their winning momentum.
PLAYING XI OF PAKISTAN vs INDIA:
Imam Ul Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammed Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.
PREDICTION FOR THE MATCH
Both teams enter this game in superb form, boasting match-winners, making it a challenging task to predict the outcome.
Backing India to beat Pakistan and put the super 4 Stage wide open
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