The upcoming clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium has generated immense excitement and anticipation. This highly-awaited encounter will mark the first meeting between these arch-rivals since the thrilling T20 World Cup match held at the packed Melbourne Cricket Ground last year, which culminated in a nail-biting last-ball finish.
In the context of One Day Internationals (ODIs), India and Pakistan haven’t faced off since the 2019 World Cup match at Old Trafford in Manchester, where the Men in Blue secured a commanding victory by 89 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, largely thanks to Rohit Sharma’s exceptional century (140 off 113 balls).
Examining their history in the Asia Cup’s ODI format, these two cricketing powerhouses have clashed 13 times, with India emerging victorious in seven encounters, Pakistan in five, and one match ending in a no-result.
Asia Cup 2023: Rain Threat Looms Over India-Pakistan Clash with Super Four Implications
However, there’s a cloud of uncertainty hovering over the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 match in Pallekele due to unfavourable weather predictions. Weather forecasts indicate a high likelihood of rain throughout the match, with potential thunderstorms and persistent overcast conditions. Should rain disrupt play, both teams will need to complete a minimum of 20 overs for the game to yield a result. In the worst-case scenario of a complete washout, each team will receive one point.
Should the latter scenario occur, Pakistan would secure their place in the Super Fours, concluding the group stage with three points after their resounding 238-run victory over Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023 opener. On the other hand, India would need to avoid defeat against Nepal in their second group match, also scheduled in Pallekele on Monday, September 4, to stay in contention. A win in this match would propel them to three points and guarantee their qualification for the Super Fours.
If the India-Nepal encounter in Pallekele is also marred by rain, Rohit Sharma’s team would advance to the Super Fours with two points, while Nepal would have one point. However, if Nepal manages to upset Team India, the Asia Cup debutants would secure a spot in the Super Fours, relegating the Men in Blue out of the tournament.
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