The long-awaited Sunday is finally here! The biggest rivalry match ever, the day for the epic clash between rivals of the world cricket, India and Pakistan, at the Asia Cup 2022. Ever since the schedule of the Asia Cup 2022 has been released fans have been eager to watch one particular match and the anticipation for the same is at its peak considering the match is tonight, the blockbuster clash at the Dubai International Stadium, the same venue where the two had met 10 months back in the 2021 T20 World Cup opener. Ahead of the game tonight, Pakistan captain Babar Azam gave an encouraging speech to his team members in their final practice session reminding them of their historic win against India in that World Cup meeting.
Despite India having the upper hand considering the history against Pakistan, and India being the favourites in the 2021 T20 World Cup, the Men in Green defeated India by 10 wickets in Dubai thanks to Shaheen Afridi's outstanding performance with the new ball and an unbroken century-plus partnership between Babar and opening partner Mohammad Rizwan. It was Pakistan's first World Cup victory ever over India.
Before Pakistan's final practice before the India game, Babar encouraged his teammates to think back to the World Cup encounter to remember how the team had prepared for the match. He also pushed his fast bowling squad to avoid noticing Shaheen Afridi's absence, who was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a knee injury.
“Iss body language se khelna hai jaise humlog khelte aa rahe hai, jaise humlogo ne World Cup mai khela tha. Uss game ko yaad karo, peeche jaake yaad karo. Yaad karoge toh saare cheese yaad aa jayega, woh preparation yaad aa jayega. Achi preparation wohi hogi jo aap idhr karte ho wohi udhr jaake apply hogi. Toh result zarur ayegi. Believe rakho. I know humhara main fast bowler nehi he, but uska kami mehsus mat hone dena, fast bowlers especially. Wish you all the best!” he said.
However, India yet again has an upper hand over Pakistan having won 8 of their 13 games in the Asia Cup and never losing to Pakistan in the tournament since 2014.
Asia Cup 2022: Good news for Team India ahead of Indo-Pak clash