India’s first group game against Pakistan was called off after one innings. But, now they are getting ready for another showdown in the ‘Super 4’ stage of this ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on 10 September at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. However, rain threats are there and hence, 11 September has been considered the reserve day. So, some players from both teams will look to do well in this upcoming game.
Here are the top five players to watch out for in India vs Pakistan, Super 4 clash in the Asia Cup 2023
Rohit Sharma
The Team India skipper had a disappointing start to the tournament against Pakistan. He got out to an excellent delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi after scoring 11 runs off 22 balls. But, against Nepal, he managed to return to his form with an unbeaten knock of 74* runs off 59 balls.
He stitched an opening partnership of 147* runs with Shubman Gill and won the game by 10 wickets. Rohit Sharma also bagged the Player of the Match award. So, fans will hope to see him score this time around against Pakistan.
Babar Azam
The number one-ranked batter in ODIs made a fantastic start to this ongoing tournament by scoring 151 runs off 131 balls against Nepal in Multan. He and Iftikhar Ahmed also put up a partnership of 214 runs for the fifth wicket. In that match, he won the Player of the Match award.
However, against India, he did not get any chance to bat as the game was called off due to rain. But, against Bangladesh, Babar failed to score a gig one as he got out on 17 runs off 22 balls. So, Babar is expected to come up with a solid knock in this upcoming clash.
Hardik Pandya
This star Team India all-rounder is going to be a crucial player for them not only in this ongoing Asia Cup but also in the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. However, he proved his worth when his team were in deep trouble against Pakistan in the first game.
After losing four wickets for just 66 runs, Hardik Pandya scored 87 runs off 90 balls and stitched a 138-run partnership with Ishan Kishan for the fifth wicket. Then, due to rain, he did not get any opportunity to bowl but against Nepal, Pandya took one wicket for 34 runs in eight overs, including three maidens.
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Shaheen Shah Afridi
This ace pacer from Pakistan has been a threat in this tournament so far. Shaheen Shah Afridi has taken seven wickets so far in three matches. Against Nepal, he looked a bit out of rhythm but against the Men in Blue, Afridi showed his class with the ball.
He picked up four wickets including the wickets of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for just 35 runs in 10 overs. So, this time around, Team India batters might find it tough again to tackle him despite working on the earlier mistakes.
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Virat Kohli
The former Team India skipper has got only one chance so far to bat in this ongoing tournament. Against Pakistan, Virat Kohli got out after scoring just four runs off seven balls as Shaheen Afridi took his wicket.
Then, against Nepal, he was not needed to bat. Hence, lack of match practice is a concern for fans but still, based on the stature of this batter, fans will expect him to dominate the Pakistan bowlers on 10 September in Colombo.