The Asia Cup 2023 will see its third match of the tournament between India and Pakistan. India will face Pakistan on 2nd September at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Rohit Sharma is the skipper of India, while Babar Azam is the captain of Pakistan. India and Pakistan have faced each other 13 times, with India leading the race with 7 wins, while Pakistan secured 5 victories.
Both India and Pakistan are in Group A. The India vs Pakistan match is always one of the most anticipated matches in cricket, and the forthcoming Asia Cup encounter is no different. With both squads brimming with exceptional talent capable of delivering game-changing performances, there are a few players who stand out as potential match-winners.
Also Read: India vs Pakistan Pitch Report Today Match Asia Cup 2023 – Pallekele Stadium Pitch Report Asia Cup 2023 Match 3
Here are the top five players to watch out for during the India vs Pakistan match:
1) Virat Kohli
Widely acclaimed as one of India’s finest cricketing talents, Virat Kohli has etched his name in the annals of greatness. His performances against Pakistan in One Day Internationals (ODIs) attest to his prowess. Over the course of 13 encounters with Pakistan, Kohli has amassed 536 runs, boasting an impressive average of 48.72. This remarkable tally includes two centuries and a duo of half-centuries. Worth noting is his recent participation in three ODIs against Pakistan, where he contributed scores of 81 not out, 5, and 77.
2) Babar Azam
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, has emerged as a batting sensation in his generation. His record against India, while modest with 158 runs from 5 games at an average of 31.60, belies his overall batting prowess. In the realm of ODIs, Azam has soared to remarkable heights, accumulating 5202 runs in 103 matches at a stellar average of 58.44. Within this impressive journey lie 18 centuries and 28 half-centuries. Notably, he commenced the Asia Cup 2023 campaign with a stellar performance, amassing 151 runs off 131 balls against Nepal.
3) Jasprit Bumrah
India’s bowling linchpin, Jasprit Bumrah, made a triumphant return to the national team after a prolonged injury layoff. His last ODI appearance for India dates back to July 14, 2022, where he secured two crucial wickets, albeit in a losing effort against England. A stellar comeback was witnessed during a three-match T20I series against Ireland. In encounters with Pakistan, Bumrah has participated in just five ODIs, collecting four wickets.
4) Shaheen Afridi
In Shaheen Afridi, the Pakistan team has unearthed a formidable replacement for Mohammad Amir. His prowess was showcased on the global stage during the 2021 T20 World Cup, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier left-arm pacers in the cricketing world. Notably, Afridi made an immediate impact by dismissing Rohit Sharma in the fourth ball of the match and subsequently claiming the wicket of KL Rahul in the very next over. His confrontations with the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli promise to be captivating duels worth watching.
5) Rohit Sharma
Leading the Indian team, Rohit Sharma has carved out a memorable record against Pakistan in ODIs. In 16 matches against Pakistan, he has aggregated 720 runs, featuring two centuries and six half-centuries. One of his most memorable performances was his dazzling 140 off 113 balls in the 2019 World Cup encounter against Pakistan. This performance was part of a remarkable run in the tournament, where he notched up five centuries, leading India to an 89-run victory over Pakistan via the DLS method.