Cricket fans around the world are looking forward to another thrilling match between the bitter rivals at the Asia Cup 2023, which is set to take place on September 2 in Kandy, following India’s dramatic triumph over Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup. India and Pakistan, two cricketing heavyweights, are placed in Group A along with Nepal, a newcomer. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has approved Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s joint hosting of the Asia Cup, which was originally scheduled to be held by Pakistan but had to be changed owing to security concerns.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket is legendary and is frequently referred to as the sport’s “El Clasico.” India comes into the event hot off a 2-1 victory over the West Indies in their most recent ODI series, while Pakistan is riding high off of a dominant 3-0 victory over Afghanistan.
Both teams have incredible match-winners on their rosters, but Rohit Sharma’s team has a tiny advantage going into this crucial encounter. Let’s explore the main factors that put India ahead of Pakistan:
Head-To-Head Record:
India holds a 7-5 win-loss record in ODIs versus Pakistan in the context of the Asia Cup. During the 1997 edition, only one game ended in a draw. Against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, India has reached the 300-run threshold three times, winning twice and losing once.
India’s Pallekele Proficiency:
India has a spotless record at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, winning each of the three games that have been played there. The other two victories were obtained while chasing, with one coming while batting first. Surprisingly, Sri Lanka was the opponent in all three games.
Pakistan’s Pallekele Performance:
Pakistan, on the other hand, has played five games at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, winning two and losing three. At this location, Pakistan played Sri Lanka three times, winning just one match. The Men in Green were defeated by New Zealand in the other two games, but they prevailed over Zimbabwe.
Virat Kohli’s Influence:
The skill of Virat Kohli versus Pakistan is well known. Kohli has continually been a thorn in Pakistan’s side with 536 runs in 13 games, including two centuries. Three times in the Asia Cup, Kohli faced Pakistan and scored over 200 runs, including a career-high 183 in 2012. With only 30 runs in three games, Kohli’s performance at Pallekele was less impressive. Despite this, Kohli’s stellar performance over the previous year, which includes numerous hundreds in ODIs, Tests, and the Indian Premier League, highlights his ability to play a significant role as India competes for a record-breaking ninth Asia Cup victory.
The Return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer:
KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer’s return gives India’s middle order a big boost. These fashionable right-handers, who had been injured and out of the game, are now in a position to play crucial roles in stabilising the Indian batting lineup, a feature that has come under fire. Jasprit Bumrah’s return further improves India’s bowling corps, boosting the team’s morale.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Imam-ul-Haq stood out in Pakistan’s recent 3-0 rout of Afghanistan despite the fact that they have a variety of match-winners at their disposal.
The stage is set for an electrifying battle between these two cricketing behemoths as the Asia Cup 2023 draws near, as India looks to maintain their supremacy over Pakistan in this legendary rivalry.
