Pak vs Ind: India decides to bat first amid unpredictable Kandy weather

KANDY: As the cricketing world watches watches on, the eagerly awaited showdown between arch-rivals Pakistan and India in the Asia Cup 2023 might face a potential cut down in overs due to unpredictable drizzles in the picturesque Pallekele stadium in Kandy, Srilanka.

Historically, matches between these two cricketing giants stir global attention, and their most recent face-off in the T20 World Cup last year was no different. India edged out Pakistan in a nail-biting final over then, leaving Pakistani fans craving revenge. With Pakistan currently holding the world number one position in the one-day format, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Originally scheduled for a 2:30 PM start (Pakistan time), the game has started earlier after the pitch in Kandy remained veiled for most of the morning due to sporadic drizzles. As soon as groundsmen seemed to get a respite and removed the covers, a heavier drizzle forced them to promptly put them back.

THE TEAMS

With the hide and seek between the sun and clouds persists, fans around the world are hoping for clear skies throuhout.

Suspense aside, lets go through the teams’ announced line-ups:

PAKISTAN

Pakistan, led by captain Babar Azam, features an impressive lineup with vice-captain Shadab Khan, the dynamic Fakhar Zaman, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, star pacer Shaheen Afridi and young sensation Naseem Shah, to name a few.

INDIA

India, captained by Rohit Sharma, boasts its own array of stars, including former captain Virat Kohli, young prodigy Shubman Gill, and the swift pace of Jasprit Bumrah. The inclusion of either Shardul Thakur or Mohammed Shami will be a game-time decision.

While the situation remains fluid, cricket enthusiasts worldwide can only hope for the match to be as grippingly entertaining as a Pak vs Ind match usually is!

At the end of the story, you can watch HUM News live stream of the informed match analysis by cricket legends, former head coach of Pakistan, Saqlain Mushtaq and former Chief Selector Pakistan, Muhammad Waseem.

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