Find out if rain will play spoilsport in the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match. Plus, team selection dilemmas revealed!
India and Pakistan are gearing up for their second face-off in the 2023 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. However, the weather seems to be a significant concern, as the first match between the two cricketing giants was washed out due to rain. The tournament organizers have set aside a reserve day for this particular fixture, a decision that has sparked controversy and criticism, including from Bangladesh's coach, Chandika Hathurusingha.
According to AccuWeather, the likelihood of rain in Colombo is high, with a 90% chance of precipitation throughout the afternoon. The probability slightly decreases to 85% after sunset, indicating that rain could play a spoilsport once again.
A Recap of the First Match
In the first match, India won the toss and opted to bat. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill started off well, but rain interruptions changed the course of the game. Shaheen Afridi dismissed Rohit Sharma soon after the rain break, and India found themselves struggling at 66/4 in 14.1 overs, with Pakistan's pacers dominating the scene.
The Turning Point: Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan's Partnership
Despite the initial setbacks, Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan staged a remarkable recovery, putting up a 138-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Kishan scored 82 off 81 balls, while Pandya contributed 87 off 90 balls. Their efforts helped India post a competitive total of 266 runs. Unfortunately, rain returned almost immediately after the last Indian wicket fell, preventing Pakistan from starting their chase.
Team Selection Dilemmas for India and Pakistan
India faces a selection dilemma for the upcoming match, especially concerning the wicketkeeper-batter's role. Both KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan are fit to play, and the team management will have to make a tough choice. Additionally, the decision between playing Shardul Thakur and Axar Patel will depend on the pitch conditions.
On the other hand, Pakistan is expected to field a four-pronged pace attack, featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Faheem Ashraf. The spin department will be led by vice-captain and leg-spinner Shadab Khan, supported by part-time off-spinners Agha Salman and Iftikhar Ahmed.
With weather uncertainties and team selection complexities, the upcoming India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup promises to be a thrilling encounter, provided the rain gods permit.