After a resounding victory over Nepal, the Pakistan cricket team has landed in Sri Lanka for a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. Led by skipper Babar Azam’s remarkable performance of 151 runs, Pakistan’s dominance was on full display as they thrashed Nepal. The bowling duo of Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi further contributed by securing four and two wickets respectively, restricting Nepal to a mere 104 runs.
The Pakistani squad, including Babar Azam and his team, bid adieu to Multan and made their way to Kandy, Sri Lanka, arriving this afternoon in preparation for the crucial encounter against India.
Set to unfold in Kandy on September 2, the highly anticipated IND vs PAK match is slated to take place at a stadium boasting a capacity of 35,000 spectators. Tickets for the event have already been sold out, showcasing the immense excitement surrounding this encounter. However, a cloud of uncertainty hovers due to the looming threat of rain, particularly as Balagolla is expected to experience rainfall in the Central and South Province of Sri Lanka. Rain could potentially disrupt the match, casting a shadow over this rare meeting between the two cricketing giants, which usually occurs only during the Asia Cup and ICC events.
As the teams gear up for this pivotal clash, both India and Pakistan have crucial objectives in mind. With an eye on the upcoming World Cup, this match holds immense significance for fine-tuning team combinations. India’s prospects are bolstered by the return of key players like Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah, a development that injects renewed energy into the squad. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s hopes are pinned on their star player, Babar Azam, to extend his purple patch of form against India. Despite his formidable record, Azam aims to overcome his past performances against the Indian side and make a significant impact in this encounter.
A formidable challenge for India is the threat posed by left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi. Known for his ability to trouble right-handed batsmen, Afridi’s presence on the field could pose substantial challenges for India’s batting lineup. However, a note of concern surrounds Afridi’s participation, as he is reportedly experiencing discomfort and may be a doubtful starter for the match against India.