The most-awaited Asia Cup 2023 clash between India and Pakistan is all set to take place on Saturday, September 02 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy.
While it is team India’s first game at the Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan has already set the stage on fire by trouncing Nepal by 238 runs in the tournament opener at Multan Cricket Stadium.
Leading up to the highly-anticipated India-Pakistan clash, Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, hints at a more aggressive approach, vowing not to give away his wicket as he did in the past three encounters.
“I don’t want to throw my wicket away when I am in good rhythm, I haven’t thought much about that while playing T20 but in ODIs, it’s very much required,” Rohit told the media a day before the India vs Pakistan clash.
“I have played with a high risk approach in the last couple of years, I have to balance that in ODIs, as a top order batter, it’s my responsibility to set the platform.”
It’s no secret that Rohit Sharma has had a tough time facing Pakistan’s pace attack, especially the left-arm pacers, in the past two T20 World Cups and the previous Asia Cup.
It’ll be intriguing to watch how he handles the challenge posed by Shaheen Afridi and the other Pakistan fast bowlers in the upcoming contest.
The 35-year-old has been a thorn in Pakistan’s side in ODIs, performing exceptionally well with 720 runs in 16 matches, boasting an average of 51.42 and a brisk strike rate of 88.77. He notched up 5 half-centuries and two centuries against Pakistan in the 50-over format.
