The enduring cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is poised for its next encounter as the two teams are primed to compete in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match, slated for Sunday at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Their previous face-off on September 2nd at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy was disrupted by rain, leading to an equal distribution of points.
Having established a powerful presence in the Asia Cup 2023 thus far, host team Pakistan has demonstrated overwhelming dominance, crushing Nepal with a staggering 238-run victory and celebrating a record 13th win out of 14 matches against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup. Led by Babar Azam, the Pakistani outfit defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets, marking an inaugural victory in the Super 4 stage at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Eager to maintain their untarnished ODI sequence against their long-term adversary, Pakistan is eagerly looking forward to post-break matches in the Asia Cup. “This triumph catalyzes our confidence; we are ever ready for major matches. We pledge to put forward our complete effort in the forthcoming game,” disclosed Babar post-match.
Babar commended his fast bowlers’ performances, whose 9-wicket haul afforded them a robust start in the first innings. The appreciation extended to Haris Rauf, awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his 4/19 claim that bowled out Bangladesh for a mere 193 within 38.4 overs. Despite the sweltering conditions, Rauf accounted his familiarity with the locale to his PSL involvement and expressed his ambitious goals for the ongoing tournament.
Stellar batting performances by Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan paved the way for Pakistan’s successful Super 4 campaign kickstart. Left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq’s impressive 78 runs signaled his forte in the Asia Cup while maintaining Pakistan’s unbeaten streak.
In the pursuit of a manageable target of 194, the Pakistani team kept their composure, intent on regular strike rotations and boundary making till lighting issues halted the game post the fifth over in Lahore. However, a game-altering partnership of 85 runs between Imam and Rizwan turned the tide of the match. The eagerly anticipated encounter with India is due Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
