Pallekele: In a thrilling clash at the Asia Cup 2023, arch-rivals India and Pakistan squared off in a highly anticipated One-Day International match in Pallekele on September 2. The cricketing world was abuzz with excitement as these two cricket giants locked horns after a four-year hiatus in their 14th encounter at the Asia Cup.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Team India made a cautious start but faced an early hiccup when rain briefly interrupted the proceedings with the scoreboard reading 15 for no loss. However, as play resumed, Pakistan's formidable bowling duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf struck with precision, sending the Indian top-order packing. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer fell victim to their relentless pace and skill.
India found themselves in a tight spot at 127 for 4 at the end of the 25th over. It was then that Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya stepped up to the plate, stabilizing the Indian innings after the departure of Shubman Gill.
Speaking about the team composition, Rohit Sharma, India's captain, announced that they had reintroduced Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah into the playing XI. Notably, the team decided to field two spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and the versatile all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. In a surprising move, Shardul Thakur was chosen over Mohammed Shami.
On the other side of the pitch, Pakistan stuck with an unchanged lineup from their victorious encounter against Nepal.
Here are the squads for both teams:
India:
Rohit Sharma (capt),Shubman Gill,Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
Pakistan:
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq,Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from this electrifying India vs. Pakistan clash at the Asia Cup 2023!