Having wrapped up the three-game ODI series versus Afghanistan with a 3-0 triumph, Pakistan advances to the Asia Cup as the top-ranked ODI team in the world, prepared to confront the Indian challenge within a week. In their last ODI match against Afghanistan, Pakistan set a 268-run target, while Afghanistan was dismissed for 209 in response.
Pakistan finds itself in Group A alongside India and Nepal for the tournament. They initiate their Asia Cup campaign against Nepal on September 30th, followed by a clash against arch-rivals India on September 2nd in the subsequent match. The teams will be meeting each other after four long years in the 50-over format. The teams last faced each other in June 2019, in a match that India won comfortably by 89 runs.
Also read: WATCH Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma preparing to encounter Shaheen Afridi in Asia Cup
The series versus Afghanistan acted as a valuable rehearsal for the impending continental tournament, allowing Pakistan to effectively gear up and fine-tune their teams through essential practice. Serving as a preparatory phase for Asia Cup, this series enabled Pakistan to lace up their metaphorical shoes, ensuring they are well-prepared and equipped for the challenges ahead.
Significantly, the Asia Cup 2023 may see multiple face-offs between cricket rivals India and Pakistan. Following their encounter on September 2nd, it’s highly probable they will meet again in the Super 4 stage due to Nepal’s presence in their group. Should both teams excel in the knockout phase, the prospect of witnessing them contend in the final also becomes conceivable.
Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team is set to embark on its journey to Sri Lanka on August 30. Currently, they are at the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s (KSCA) Three Ovals campus in Alur, engaged in a six-day training camp. This preparatory session aims to gear up the team for the forthcoming Asia Cup, followed by the ODI World Cup to be hosted on home soil.
Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2023: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi
