Dubai: Just before the schedule of Asia Cup 2022 was announced, it was anticipated that we will get to see India vs Pakistan match if not thrice then at least two times and this anticipation came to be right. After India winning in a thrilling opening game against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2022, India will be looking to defeat Pakistan once again. However, this time it could be tough as Pakistan has demolished Hong Kong by 155 runs by getting them all out for just for 38 runs.
The rivalry of India vs Pakistan for both camp fan has been a must watch and most viewed contest in Asia Cup 2022. This clash will take place on Sunday, where Pakistan will also look to avenge the loss against team India. This clash is like a one’s in a blue moon for the betting groups selecting their respective teams.
Hong Kong who faced both India and Pakistan, did bat mostly well against India scoring 152 in reply of 192 where as against Pakistan Hong Kong could not do much due to the Pak Pace battery. Although Pakistan batsmen have not got much help from the pitch scoring 147 against India and improved 193 against Hong Kong. All eyes would be on Mohammed Rizwan scoring 43 and 78 respectively, although one concern is about his strike rate and also slow start, Skipper Babar Azam will also look to hit back his form in Super 4s.
The first meeting turned out to be a close contest but in totality, it was India which fully dominated with wickets on regular intervals. The momentum will be there in both the camps with Pakistan confidence high after beating Hong Kong in their last group stage game of Asia cup 2022.
The news for team India is considered to be positive leaving the injury of Ravindra Jadeja who is replaced by Axar Patel. They can even fall back to Ravichandran Ashwin or Deepak Hooda who are exceptionally good All-Rounders. Where as Pakistan, has an top heavy batting power but much is expected from Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali.
Bowling is one area where India are considered to be on same place, having well equipped pacers and spinners. Not to forget India almost got a scare with disciplined bowling of Naseem Shah and spinner Mohammed Nawaz. India are expected to continue with same bowling trio Avesh Khan, Bhuwansehwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh. With, Hardik Pandya will be again on everybody’s eyes with his hard hitting form and bowling.
Let’s see whether India could continue their dominance or Pakistan will hit back strongly. Let’s hope for another Thrilling game In Dubai.
Report by Ritik Bhadra