LAHORE MIRROR — In the high-stakes Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 showdown between India and Pakistan in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Pakistan won the toss and elected to field.
This face-off between the arch-rivals marks their second attempt to resume the match after rain forced an abandonment in their previous encounter in Pallekele. During that match, India posted a total of 266 runs in 48.5 overs, and Pakistan, leading the points table, did not have the opportunity to begin their chase due to inclement weather.
Having secured a seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh in their initial Super Four fixture, the Pakistani team is eager to maintain their impressive form in the Asia Cup.
🚨 T O S S A L E R T 🚨
Pakistan win the toss and decide to field first 🏏#PAKvIND | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/poRbKWjzwR
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 10, 2023
Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, stated, “We will bowl first. I think there is a bit of moisture, we need to use that. Always, India-Pakistan is high intensity, but we will take it match to match. As a team, we are playing well, we are focused on this one.”
Meanwhile, India is entering the Super 4 stage with this match, and their captain, Rohit Sharma, expressed, “Looking to bat first. There will be a challenge upfront, but the way we guys batted last time around gives us confidence. Every game is important for us, but one thing at a time to focus on.”
The group stage encounter between India and Pakistan on September 2 was disrupted by rain in Pallekele.
While there is a 90% chance of precipitation, fans and spectators are concerned about another weather-induced interruption. However, Sunday morning in Colombo was reported as bright and sunny by ESPNcricinfo.
In the event of rain disrupting the match later in the day, it will be rescheduled for Monday, the reserve day designated for such clashes.
This match carries significant importance, as even one loss in the Super 4 stage could place a team on the verge of “must-win territory.” With Sri Lanka, currently in top form, set to face both India and Pakistan next week, the two points at stake today are in high demand.
Furthermore, there is a possibility that this fixture could be the last India vs. Pakistan encounter at the 2023 Asia Cup, as Sri Lanka emerges as strong contenders for the tournament final. Historical records reveal that India and Pakistan have never faced each other in an Asia Cup final.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
