PAK vs SL: Aakash Chopra Believes History Says That It Won't Allow An India-Pakistan Final In Asia Cup Despite Being Top Teams

Published - 14 Sep 2023, 03:22 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:18 AM

Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam (India vs Pakistan 2023)
Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam (Image Credits: Twitter)

Renowned commentator Aakash Chopra expressed that the Asia Cup 2023 seemed like an India-Pakistan-centric tournament. Aakash Chopra highlighted that only the India and Pakistan Super Four match had a reserve day in the ongoing edition of the continental tournament.

The Babar Azam-led team will face Sri Lanka in their last Super Four game at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday, September 14. The Men in Green need to win the match to secure their berth in the final match against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup.

It Seems Like It’s An India-Pakistan Tournament – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra highlighted that India and Pakistan have never faced each other in the history of the Asia Cup.

“If we see today’s match, it has become a straight shoot-out. The big thing is that this tournament’s history says that it won’t allow an India-Pakistan final even though you might try your best,” Chopra said.

“Who did you keep in your group – Nepal. You made only two teams to go out from the six and then wanted to play in the Super Four and the final as well. So it seems like it’s an India-Pakistan tournament. Only India-Pakistan gets a reserve day as well, no one else gets it,” he added.

The Men in Blue have lifted the trophy in the continental tournament seven times in 15 editions, while Pakistan has managed to win only twice. India last won the trophy in 2018, while Pakistan’s last victory was back in 2012.

Win The Toss And Bat First – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra pointed out that Pakistan is struggling with injuries to their key bowlers, with Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah unavailable. Chopra suggested that winning the toss and choosing to bat first would provide a strategic advantage in the virtual semi-final.

“They have got injuries as well. Neither Haris Rauf nor Naseem Shah is available. So you will see a spinner playing and I will want you to play spin on this pitch in any case. Play Mohammad Nawaz although Faheem Ashraf might play because the captain likes him, but I don’t think he is a very penetrative bowler.

“We will see Mohammad Wasim Jr and Shaheen Shah Afridi. I feel if Pakistan are unable to dismiss Sri Lanka’s top three like India did, they will lose this match. Firstly, win the toss and bat first. If you opt to bowl first after winning the toss, you will lose in any case,” he concluded.

Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan

Also read: PAK vs SL: Aakash Chopra Highlights Pakistan’s Middle Order Woes At No. 4 Position In 50-Over Format In Last Four Years

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Aakash Chopra Asia Cup 2023 PAK vs SL
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