KANDY: Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in the third match of the Asia Cup cricket tournament 2023 on Saturday (today).
The match will start at 2:30 pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST) at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy.
Pakistan registered a 238-run victory over Nepal in Asia Cup opener on Wednesday and are unlikely to make any changes to their winning combination. However, there is a possibility that the match will be curtailed by rain.
Despite Fakhar Zaman’s recent struggles with form, Pakistan is likely to stick with their regular opening batsmen.
Babar Azam will be determined to carry forward his excellent form, as evidenced by his impressive score of 151 against Nepal. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan will take the number four spot in the batting order.
After his maiden ODI century against Nepal, Iftikhar Ahmed will be looking to continue contributing significantly to Pakistan’s strong finishes in ODIs.
Shadab Khan, who achieved his best ODI bowling figures in the match against Nepal, is looking to build upon that success.
The final three slots in the lineup will feature the dynamic fast-bowling trio of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah. Despite an injury scare in the match against Nepal. Shaheen is fit to take the field against India.
Pakistan and India could face each other up to three times in two weeks during the course of the tournament, including in the September 17 final.
The six-team tournament assumes more importance for India as they chase their first global title in more than a decade at the home World Cup in October-November.
Pakistan playing XI
Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf/Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
