As the two arch-rivals in the form of India and Pakistan gear up to face each other on 2nd September in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, the stakes and the excitement levels are quite high. The two skippers of the teams, Babar Azam and Rohit Sharma, would be looking to register a victory for their team.
Both the two teams would be looking to give their best and subsequently bag the honours of this huge rivalry. The two teams don’t play bilateral series between each other due to political tensions.
Pakistan and India meet in only multi-nation tournaments like ICC World Cups and Asia Cups and therefore fans eagerly wait throughout the year for their encounter.
When the two neighbours met last time in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Virat Kohli had played a larger-than-life innings of 82* runs to power India to a last-ball finish.
At a time when the Indians were down on their haunches, Kohli steered India out of danger waters and pushed them to a fabulous victory.
Now, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has opened up about the much-famed rivalry between India and Pakistan. Speaking in a video to Star Sports, Babar Azam has shed light on the rivalry between the two neighbours.
“The India-Pakistan match has always been a rivalry. The entire world experiences the match and enjoys it. Even we enjoy it a lot. I feel that the level of cricket is very good and competitive. Fans miss the India-Pakistan match and both teams always give their 100 percent. We always try and give our very best,” said Babar Azam.
Babar Azam and co. became number 1 ODI side
After drubbing Afghanistan 3-0, Pakistan became the number 1 ODI side. The ICC Champions Trophy 2017 winners played a clinical brand of cricket and because of consistent performances from everyone in their side, they could white-wash Afghanistan.
Speaking about the performance and the win in the post-match ceremony of the 3rd ODI, Babar Azam credited his squad and also hailed the efforts of Afghanistan.
“We are number one in ODIs. All credit to the boys, they are working hard. We had a small camp in Lahore. All credit to the boys and the management. One of the best spin sides – Afghanistan. That should help us in Asia Cup,” said Azam.
The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 will be played in India in October and November and Pakistan come into this tournament as one of the favourites.
Also read: Can Tilak Varma Play For India In World Cup? Rohit Sharma Answers
