Expectations high for India vs Pakistan match in Sri Lanka despite rain forecast
The match is always a high-pressure encounter, and it is one of the most anticipated matches in the cricket calendar.
HYDERABAD: The much-awaited India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2023 is all set to take place tomorrow at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka. The match is scheduled to start at 2:30 PM IST.
Fans of both teams are eagerly waiting for the clash of the two arch-rivals. The match is always a high-pressure encounter, and it is one of the most anticipated matches in the cricket calendar.
India and Pakistan have met 132 times in ODIs, with India winning 70 matches and Pakistan winning 54. The last time the two teams met was in the T20 World Cup 2021, where Pakistan won by 10 wickets.
In a press conference ahead of the match, India captain Rohit Sharma opened up on his plans for the playing XI. He said that he is not too worried about the rain forecast and is confident that his team can adapt to any conditions.
"We have a good side and we are confident of winning the match," Sharma said. "We have a few options in the batting and bowling departments, so we will decide the playing XI on the morning of the match."
Sharma also said that he is looking forward to the challenge of facing Pakistan. "It is always a special occasion to play against Pakistan," he said. "We have a good record against them in recent years, and we are looking to continue that."
What to lookout for?
Both teams have a strong batting line-up Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer in the top four. Ishan Kishan is likely to play at 5 down. The men in blue hves a slight edge in the bowling department. They are likely to pick one of Shardul Thakur or Mohammed Shami, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as frontline seamers. Kuldeep Yadav is expected to take over the spin department.
The weather forecast is not clear for tomorrow. There is a 90% chance of rain in Pallekele, which could mean that the match could be reduced to a 20-overs-per-side affair. Despite the rain forecast, fans are still expecting an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams.