COLOMBO: In a much-awaited showdown at the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 stage, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl against arch-rivals India in Colombo on Sunday. This thrilling encounter resumed after the previous game between the two teams was washed out due to rain in Pallekele.
🚨 T O S S A L E R T 🚨
Pakistan win the toss and decide to field first 🏏#PAKvIND | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/poRbKWjzwR
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 10, 2023
During that abandoned match, India posted a total of 266 in 48.5 overs, but Pakistan couldn’t begin their chase due to adverse weather conditions.
Currently leading the points table, Pakistan’s Men in Green are determined to continue their outstanding form in the Asia Cup after defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets in their first Super Four match.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam, speaking at the toss, said, “We will bowl first. I think there is a bit of moisture, we need to use that. Always, India-Pakistan is high intensity, but we will take it match to match. As a team, we are playing well, we are focused on this one.”
On the other hand, India is playing their inaugural Super 4 stage match, and skipper Rohit Sharma expressed his preference, saying, “Looking to bat first. There will be a challenge upfront, but the way we guys batted last time around gives us confidence. Every game is important for us, but one thing at a time to focus on.”
The group stage match between India and Pakistan on September 2 was abandoned due to rain in Pallekele. With a 90% chance of precipitation, fans are concerned about the game being disrupted. However, according to ESPNcricinfo, the morning in Colombo was bright and sunny.
In case rain interrupts the match later in the day, the clash will be rescheduled for Monday, the reserve day designated for such situations.
This match holds immense significance, as even a single loss in the Super 4s can push a team into “must-win territory.” With in-form Sri Lanka set to face both India and Pakistan next week, the two points at stake today are in high demand. There’s also a slim possibility that this fixture might be the last India vs. Pakistan encounter in the 2023 Asia Cup, as Sri Lanka emerges as a strong contender for the finals. History reminds us that India and Pakistan have never faced off in an Asia Cup final.
Pakistan Playing XI
Babar Azam (c), Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
India Playing XI
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
