Amidst the mounting anticipation for the Asia Cup 2023 clash between India and Pakistan, some discouraging news looms for eager fans awaiting the riveting group-stage confrontation between these arch-rivals.
Unfavorable rainy conditions in Kandy might cast a dampening effect on the highly anticipated Pakistan-India match scheduled for September 2 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Weather authorities are predicting consistent showers throughout the week, with the BBC weather forecast indicating a 70% chance of rain during the match. Similarly, Google Weather’s projection aligns, revealing a 90% likelihood of precipitation in Kandy.
This forecast presents a disappointing scenario for enthusiasts who were hoping for an uninterrupted One Day encounter between these two historic rivals. Notably, this match marks India’s inaugural appearance in the Asia Cup 2023, a series of matches they are exclusively playing in Sri Lanka. The Indian team has already arrived in the host country and is meticulously refining their preparations for this high-stakes contest.
Meanwhile, Pakistan initiated their Asia Cup 2023 campaign with a commanding triumph over Nepal in Multan. Although the Babar Azam-led side encountered early setbacks at 25/2 and later at 124/4, an extraordinary partnership between Babar and Iftikhar Ahmed propelled them to a total of 342/6. Both players achieved centuries, with Babar amassing 151 runs from 131 balls and Iftikhar contributing 109 runs from 71 deliveries. Subsequently, Pakistan’s bowlers efficiently dismissed the Bangladesh side for a mere 104.
Both Pakistan and Nepal are now poised to face India in their upcoming group-stage matches. While the Pakistan-India showdown is scheduled for September 4, Nepal and India are set to compete on the same day.
In the event that the India vs. Pakistan match is disrupted due to inclement weather and India successfully triumphs over Nepal in their group-stage encounter, both India and Pakistan would advance to the Super Fours stage. However, should Nepal manage to upset India, Pakistan and Nepal would progress to the Super Fours. Nevertheless, the odds seem slim given Nepal’s debut in the Asia Cup this year and their ranking at number 15 in the world, in contrast to India’s third-place ranking in this format.
Squads:
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna