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On Saturday, an electrifying clash is set to unfold in Kandy as India prepares to face off against arch-rivals Pakistan in one of the most highly anticipated games of the Asia Cup 2023.
The Men in Blue are making a return to ODI action following a month-long break, with their last outing on August 1 resulting in a series-clinching triumph over the West Indies. On the other hand, Pakistan kicked off their Asia Cup 2023 campaign with a resounding victory over first-time participants Nepal, securing a massive 238-run win. Given the history of thrilling encounters between these neighbouring nations in recent years, fans can expect yet another enthralling showdown.
ODI stats and records at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium:
- Total Matches Played: 37
- Won Batting First: 15
- Won Bowling First: 21
- No Result: 1
- Average First Innings Score: 250
- Average Second Innings Score: 202
- Highest Total: 363/7 by South Africa
- Lowest Total: 70 by Zimbabwe
- Highest Run Chase: 314/6
- Lowest Total Defended: 206/9 by West Indies
- Most Runs: 939 runs (Tillakaratne Dilshan)
- Highest Score: 162 (Ibrahim Zadran)
- Best Bowling Figures: 6/31 (Mitchell Johnson)
- Most Sixes: 16 sixes (Dasun Shanaka)
- Most Wickets: 24 wickets (Lasith Malinga)
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch report:
The Pallekele Cricket Stadium boasts an ideal batting pitch, renowned for its friendly conditions to batters. This surface doesn’t provide substantial assistance to fast bowlers, thus offering a delightful canvas for stroke-making and rewarding batting experiences. Once batters find their rhythm and settle in, they often capitalize with substantial run-scoring opportunities. Furthermore, as the match unfolds, the pitch tends to develop more grip, becoming increasingly favourable for spin bowlers. Consequently, captains winning the toss are likely to opt for batting first to exploit these favourable conditions.
Also READ: Pakistan fans left fuming over no host nation’s name in Asia Cup 2023 team jerseys; PCB issues a clarification
Kandy Weather Report:
The commencement of the game is expected to be accompanied by thundershowers. Weather conditions anticipate a temperature of approximately 28 degrees Celsius, with a high precipitation probability of 80%. Additionally, humidity levels are projected to reach around 84%, while the wind is likely to blow at a speed of 16 kilometers per hour.
IND vs PAK, Playing XI:
India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan(w), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Pakistan:Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
