This coming Sunday will see one of the greatest cricketing battles in world cricket taking place with India meeting Pakistan in Asia Cup 2022 and obviously there is a huge anticipation to this match.
The fans, on both sides of the border, hugely await this contest as these two countries meet rarely nowadays on a cricket field. So every such meeting is welcomed with new excitement and vigour. There is definitely a lot of history when it comes to these two countries but not to forget, these are also two top sides in world cricket, especially in this format.
India will be looking to bounce back after the defeat in last year’s T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan. It was one of those rare one-sided clashes where India were outclassed and outplayed, losing by 10 wickets which also dented their chances in the showpiece event. Rohit Sharma’s side would be looking to come out victorious this time.
Big tournament for Virat Kohli
Asia Cup 2022 gives both the teams a chance to do final touches to their playing XI, keeping in mind the T20 World Cup that is less than two months away now. The playing XIs from both the sides will be picked keeping that in mind. I still cannot see how and why Virat Kohli should not play the World Cup. Yet this Asia Cup is a big tournament for him. Kohli is coming in after a break and he has been short of runs recently but let’s not forget about his terrific record against Pakistan in this format. He has performed brilliantly over a period of time against the arch-rivals. He comes in with some good memories of having done well aganst Pakistan in big games. That’s going to help bring the best out of him.
India’s batting lineup includes some of the finest batters in world cricket right now with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul at the top. I don’t see that changing in this tournament. The side is looking pretty good with Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant. Hardik Pandya is bowling well which helps the balance of the side.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar becomes a very important bowler for India with Harshal Patel and Jasprit Bumrah – two experienced T20 bowlers – not there in this tournament. Like Kohli, he too has an excellent record vs Pakistan.
Young Arshdeep Singh should be persisted with and it could turn out to be a huge tournament for him, keeping in mind the World Cup coming up soon. He brings variety to the attack. Avesh Khan is there as well and he too is very capable of playing all games for India. These two pacers have a big opportunity in their hand to make a mark with a couple of stars missing in this tournament.
Shaheen Shah Afridi will be missed
As far as Pakistan are concerned, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s injury is a big blow for Babar Azam and Co. Mohammad Hasnain comes in and he has been playing cricket consistently. He was recently seen in The Hundred competition and has been playing international cricket too. He’s been bowling well and quick. Yes, Shaheen not there is a big loss but Hasnain looks in good shape. I have been hugely impressed with Haris Rauf. He becomes their key weapon in Shaheen’s absence. Naseem Shah too is an exciting talent. Pakistan they have got huge amount of resources. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar at the top, followed by some power-hitters in the middle.
You can pick out many key matchups – Virat vs Babar, Indian batters vs Pakistan bowlers etc. The crowd will be cheering out loud, the occasion will be immense, making it a blockbuster of a game.
This is a contest where leadership skills will come to the fore. I believe both Rohit and Babar have similar leadership styles. They are both laidback captains. Rohit is a relaxed captain and Babar looks exactly the
same. There are many similarities between their captaincy styles and both are exceptional batters for their sides as well.
India hold an edge over Pakistan
I believe India hold a slight advantage going into this contest. Since the last World T20, India have played in 28 T20s and have won 22 while they have lost 5 with 1 No Result. Compare this with Pakistan, who have played 12 and have won 10. They are both in good form but Pakistan have played only 12 games vs India’s 28. In terms of planning, match exprience, India have played a lot of cricket and that might be a telling factor in the end.
It is also true that India may play Pakistan a couple of more times in this tournament. And that is why as the big Sunday closes in, you feel there is so much waiting to happen in next two months for these two sides. There is a sort of drama to the whole occasion before the Asia Cup clash. This big match feels like a curtain raiser of things to come. There is a lot ahead but for now, let’s enjoy this India vs Pakistan spectacle. Hopefully, it will live up to the large expectations.
