India vs. Pakistan ODI Clash at Asia Cup 2023 – Recap
In the third match of the Asia Cup 2023, India and Pakistan are facing off at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
India’s starting lineup included of three fast bowlers and two spinners
At the moment, the stakes are high at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in match no. 3 of the Asia Cup 2023 between India and Pakistan. While Pakistan have already kicked off their campaign against Asia Cup newcomers Nepal in Multan, where they strolled to a dominant 238-run victory, this match is of tremendous significance because it will mark India’s first appearance in the event.
The most recent meeting between them
Group A’s India and Pakistan will meet for the first time since their epic T20 World Cup match in 2022 at the electric Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Fans were on the edge of their seats during this thrilling contest because to Virat Kohli’s brilliant performance, in which he scored an unbeaten 82 runs off just 53 balls and led India to a four-wicket triumph.
The dramatic backstory to the last confrontation
Pakistan decided to keep the same starting XI from the previous day’s match, which was widely anticipated. Shaheen Afridi, India’s left-arm pacer, vs India’s batting order, promises to be a game-changing matchup. The scenario is set for an exciting match as Indian captain Rohit Sharma publicly acknowledged the daunting challenge offered by Pakistan’s pace bowlers.
The result of the toss was that Rohit would bat first. He decided to bench Mohammed Shami in favor of batting-order reinforcements Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur for this match. This strategy shift was made to strengthen India’s batting in a must-win game.
The Indian openers got off to a good start, but then the rain came
Unfortunately, the rain that was forecast for the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy has canceled the match between India and Pakistan. India were 15 for no loss in 4.2 overs when play was stopped due to rain. Rohit was unbeaten on 11 at that point, and Shubman Gill had yet to make his imprint. There is a chance that the match’s outcome will be altered by the weather. This break in proceedings has increased the tension in a high-stakes situation.
Shaheen’s impressive bowling performance was once again cut short by the weather
Shaheen made an early impression when the game resumed from the rain delay by taking out Rohit (11) with a magnificent inswinging delivery in the fifth over. Then, at a crucial juncture in the game, he stunned the Pallekele fans by snatching the valuable wicket of Kohli (4).
Then, Haris Rauf bowled a short-pitched ball that shook Shreyas Iyer’s (14) stumps. India was at 51/3 after 11.2 overs when rain forced a halt to play. India’s current batting order consists of Gill and Ishan Kishan.
What Would Happen If The Game Had To Be Canceled Due to Rain?
As per the Asia Cup’s point system, a ‘no result’ in a match awards one point to each side. With two points already in the bag after their convincing opening-round win over Nepal in Multan, Pakistan would advance without a hitch to the tournament’s Super Four. The reverse is true if Nepal were to challenge India for a spot in the Super Four.
The match between India and Nepal is also susceptible to rain. In the event of a draw, India would progress with two points earned from two consecutive games with no result. If the match ends with a decisive outcome, however, a win is crucial for India to advance to the Super Four round of the Asia Cup 2023. This convoluted scenario raises the stakes and increases the tension of the competition.
