On September 2, the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan matchup in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 will take place. Team India reached Sri Lanka after a demanding training camp in Bangalore, while Pakistan started their Asia Cup 2023 campaign with a comprehensive win against Nepal. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key players from both sides who could have a big impact as the high-stakes matchup approaches:
Virat Kohli:
Many people consider Virat Kohli to be one of India’s best batsmen. Kohli had amazing stats in ODIs versus Pakistan. With 13 matches against Pakistan under his belt, he has scored 536 runs at an average of 48.72, including two hundreds and two half-centuries. Notably, he has played in just three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against Pakistan since then, recording scores of 81 not out, 5, and 77.
Rohit Sharma:
Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, has scored 720 runs against Pakistan in 16 one-day internationals, including two centuries and six half-centuries. In his most recent match against Pakistan at the 2019 World Cup match, Rohit struck well for 140 off 113 balls, one of his five hundred in that competition, and helped India win by 89 runs using the DLS system.
Jasprit Bumrah:
Jasprit Bumrah, the best fast bowler in India, just rejoined the team after a protracted injury absence. On July 14, 2022, he made his final appearance in an ODI for India against England, taking two wickets in a losing effort. Bumrah, though, had a stunning comeback in the three-match T20I series against Ireland. He has played only a few ODIs against Pakistan and has taken four wickets.
Ishan Kishan:
Ishan Kishan is anticipated to be included in the starting XI with KL Rahul’s confirmed absence for the first two games. With three successive half-centuries against the West Indies, Kishan had a great series. Regardless of where he bats in the order, he has the capacity to score quickly, which makes him an important member of the team.
Shubman Gill:
Through dependable performances, Shubman Gill has established himself as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner. In recent games against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, he scored a double century and a century. Although it’s unclear where he’ll be batting in the upcoming game, his talent implies he can have an impact wherever he bats.
Babar Azam:
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, is recognised as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation. He has faced India five times in the past, scoring 158 runs at an average of 31.60, but not for half-centuries or centuries. His overall ODI record is exceptional, though; in 103 ODIs, he scored 5202 runs at a remarkable average of 58.44, including 18 hundreds and 28 half-centuries. Babar scored 151 runs off 131 balls against Nepal to get the Asia Cup 2023 season off to a strong start.
Shaheen Afridi:
Shaheen Afridi is a capable substitute for Mohammad Amir in Pakistan. He demonstrated his abilities as one of the best left-arm pacers in the world during the 2021 T20 World Cup. By removing Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul from the game in the very first over, Afridi had an immediate impact. When he bowls to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, all eyes will be on him.
Naseem Shah:
Young Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah hasn’t faced India in an ODI yet. He faced India three times last year, but each time he played poorly with the ball. Naseem has played in only 10 ODIs in his career and has taken two five-wicket hauls, one of which came against New Zealand in Rawalpindi.
Haris Rauf:
The most effective bowler in Pakistan’s team right now is Haris Rauf, who is renowned for his ferocious pace. He has participated in four T20I matches against India, taking four wickets with an average of 33.50, despite not having played a 50-over match against them. He represents a serious threat to batters.
Fakhar Zaman:
One of Pakistan’s best left-handed batsman, Fakhar Zaman, has played four times against India and has scored 207 runs at an average of 51.75. His recent performance suggests that he could be a serious threat to the Indian team. Earlier this year, when Pakistan hosted New Zealand, Fakhar scored three straight hundreds.
