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Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has opined that the team batting first in high-voltage India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 match is most likely to come out on top. Arch-nemesis India and Pakistan will square off at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Saturday (September 2). While India will play their first match in 2023 edition of Asia Cup when they lock horns with Pakistan later today, Pakistan head into the blockbuster clash after a thumping 238-run win over debutant Nepal in the tournament opener in Multan on August 30. Shoaib Akhtar feels the team that bats first will literally hammer their opponent.
“Babar and his team are very mature. They have played high-pressure games against India before. They won’t be in much pressure now. If Pakistan win the toss and bat first, they will literally hammer India. Vice-versa, if India win the toss, Pakistan could be in trouble because ball isn’t really moving much under the lights,” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.
Speaking on India’s combination, Akhtar said:
“Both teams have a good chance. Bumrah, Shami, Siraj should be playing together. Kuldeep should play. There’s a debate on Virat Kohli on whether he should bat at 3 or 4, and whether Ishan should bat at 5 or open the innings. But what I must say is that Pakistan is a formidable side. They have the ammunition with the ball, and their batting is settled. It isn’t a volatile batting order anymore, like in the past. These are the two balanced sides when they play in the sub-continent,” he added.
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy is scheduled to start at 3 PM IST with the toss taking place half-an-hour before the match. As per latest weather report, the toss for IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 match is expected on time at 2:30 PM IST.
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