Another India vs Pakistan encounter on cards and fans can’t wait to see a full match this time because last time when these two sides came face to face, the match was abandoned due the rain. The chances of rain are still there on Sunday for third match of the Super-4 but with the addition of reserve day, the fans can expect their money worth.
However, that doesn’t take away the buoyancy of this anticipated encounter. Both teams, India and Pakistan, will be eyeing on victoy to increase the chances of playing the final. So here are 5 things that will decide who will win the match:
Indian batters getting better of Pakistan pace ace
Shaheen Shah Afridi has become a threatning problem for Indian top order. Then Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah only add more pressure on batters. The struggle continues for Indian top order, with KL Rahul back in team, some substantial experience has been added to the team.
Last time when Indian batting order faced this trio, they tried to be defensive in the beginning of their innings, which unfortunately didn’t work out. So this time around, maybe a little bit of attacking mindset might unsettle the pace trio of Pakistan.
Pakistan not upto the aggresive play
Pakistan is a definite good bowling side, their batting is good but it is not the aggresive batting order other teams have. Indian bowlers know that Pakistan’s batters like to build their innings so they will definitely like to strangle Pakistan’s batting and force them to play with a style that is not natural to their game.
Definitely, opportunities will arise. On the other hand, Pakistan would like to play with more intent. They have a lower order who can hit play with 125+ strike rate in ODIs but there is no such player at the top.
Bumrah, Siraj, Kuldeep Key for India
Still we haven’t seen the best of Indian bowlers in Asia Cup 2023. Jasprit Bumrah will have ball in hand for the first time in this tournament, it is never easy to hit him with ease. Mohammad Siraj has been the best bowler for team India in white ball for last 12-14 months. Kuldeep Yadav loves bowling against Pakistan.
So if these three get going, Pakistan will face some real pressure in their batting line-up. Their depth as well as ability to sustain any kind of momentum if they get any.
IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023, India vs Pakistan Prediction
Powerplay will be key to stay ahead in the game
Last time when India and Pakistan were head to head, India couldn’t capitalize powerplay well. Losing a couple fo wickets had them in backfoot, and Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan spent next 30 overs to cover up the powerplay loss.
Pakistan will definitely have a look at it. Winning powerplay always puts a team ahead in the game and the other team in constant pressure. Pakistan’s powerplay weapon is bowling and India’s powerplay weapon is their aggresive openers.
Power hitting If Rain Reduces The Game
There are chances that rain will reduce the match. In that case, the match might become unconventional contest and players will need to play a 30 or maybe 35 overs game, power hitting, which India has plenty, will come into play straightaway.
Pakistan have got some power hitting in the middle order and short game will definitely force them to change their plans about the batting order. India will definitely feel advantageous if the game cuts short due the rain.
