Are Pakistan the Favourites for the Big Clash ? | Asia Cup 2023
Are Pakistan the Favourites for the Big Clash ? | Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan and India two arch-rivals, the biggest match of cricketing world or any other sport will take place in Kandy on 2nd September. Fans from both the sides are excited and praying for their team win. Furthermore, from both sides many fans had travelled to Sri Lanka to witness one of the most anticipated clash.
The Men in Green registered a 238-run victory over Nepal in Asia Cup opener on Wednesday and are unlikely to make any changes to their winning combination, unless there are last-minute adjustments needed due to weather/ground conditions or a possibility of a rain-curtailed game.
Despite Fakhar Zaman’s recent struggles with form, Pakistan is likely to stick with their regular opening batsmen. Babar Azam will be determined to carry forward his excellent form, as evidenced by his impressive score of 151 against Nepal. Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batsman, will take the number four spot in the batting order.
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There’s a possibility that Pakistan might consider replacing Agha Salman with Saud Shakeel, given Salman’s batting performance in the previous match. The inclusion of a left-handed batsman like Saud Shakeel in the middle-order could help counter the threat posed by India’s left-arm spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. However, Babar Azam has a history of maintaining faith in his players despite occasional setbacks, so Agha Salman is likely to retain his place.
After his maiden ODI century against Nepal, Iftikhar Ahmed will be looking to continue contributing significantly to Pakistan’s strong finishes in ODIs.
The final three slots will feature pace-trio of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. These three will be looking to dismantle the Indian top-order and it will be a big test for Indian batters to handle the pace, swing and seam of Pakistan pacers.
Pakistan’s Playing 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.
