Asia Cup 2023: PAK vs IND Preview – Rain threat looms over high-voltage encounter

After a strong start in the first game against Nepal, Pakistan are set to lock horns with arch-rivals India in match 3 of the Asia Cup 2023. The high-voltage thriller will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Saturday, September 3.

Prior to their arrival in the Island nation, the Men in Blue were in the midst of a six-day skill enhancement camp in Alur, Karnataka, to train hard for the ACC event. Both sides appear solid on paper, however, it remains to be seen which side edges past the other on Saturday’s blockbuster clash.

Speaking about their head-to-head records in the last five games, team India has a massive lead with five wins to Pakistan’s one. Babar Azam and Co. will be gunning to keep their momentum intact and cruise to the Super Four with a win against team India. Likewise, Rohit Sharma’s team India too will look to start off with a win and remain in a formidable position in the standings.

Pitch Conditions:

The surface at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy proved to quite two-paced during the recently concluded Lanka Premier League (LPL). Bowlers will be rewarded for their variation in their pace, however, batters too will get their chance to score the big runs. In any case, a competitive game is on the cards as both teams will push each other for a win.

Venue details: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

Last ODI match at the venue: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, 2022, 3rd ODI | Result: Sri Lanka won by four wickets

Probable playing XI for Pakistan vs India clash:

Pakistan

After a humungous win in the first game, the think tank will likely back the same setup in order to further assess their line-up before making necessary changes in the Super Four stage.

Probable XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf

India

Team India will likely back Shreyas Iyer to come in place of Suryakumar Yadav whereas Bumrah and Siraj will make their return to the ODI setup.

Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj