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Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are gearing up for a highly anticipated clash in the Asia Cup 2023, scheduled for September 2 in Pallekele. The cricketing giants may cross paths again if they advance to the Super-4 stage, with another showdown slated for September 10 in Colombo. Furthermore, a potential final appearance on September 17 could mark their third encounter in the tournament.
In the midst of mounting excitement, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has shed light on the profound significance of the longstanding rivalry and what sets this encounter apart. Speaking in a promotional video by Star Sports ahead of the tournament, Jadeja reflected that any match for them holds the same level of importance as Indo-Pak clash.
“When there’s a match between India and Pakistan, there are high expectations to win, but for us, any match involving India holds the same level of importance as an India-Pakistan match. However, yes, the India-Pakistan match garners more attention, and we strive to perform to the best of our abilities,” said Jadeja.
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Here is the video:
It can't get bigger than the age-old rivalry! 🤜🏻🤛🏻 Here’s how @imjadeja approaches the epic India-Pakistan clash! 🌟
Put your #HandsUpForIndia and tune-in to #INDvPAK on #AsiaCupOnstar Sat, Sep 2 | 2.00 PM Onwards | Star Sports Network #Cricket pic.twitter.com/jmOBe3OHGf
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 12, 2023
‘Sometimes things don’t go as planned’: Jadeja on Asia Cup loss against Pakistan in 2022
The 2022 edition of the Asia Cup saw India and Pakistan locking horns twice, with each team securing a victory. Notably, Pakistan triumphed over the Rohit Sharma-led side in the later stages of the tournament, securing their spot in the final, which they ultimately lost to Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on their previous encounter, Jadeja offered a profound insight into the unpredictable nature of cricket, stating that cricket remains a kind of sport where the unforeseen often reigns supreme.
“We aim to deliver our performance and play as well as we can, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. This is a game, and the players from both sides are representing their respective countries. In my opinion, both teams are in the game to win. While you can put in proper focus and give your 100% on the field, there’s no guarantee of a particular outcome,” added Jadeja.
Beyond the Asia Cup, the cricketing frenzy between India and Pakistan is set to continue, as they are slated to face off in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 14 in Ahmedabad.
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