Rain delayed the start of the Asia Cup 2023 match between Pakistan and India, but the anticipated battle between Jasprit Bumrah and Babar Azam was the talk of the tournament. The battle between the Indian fast bowler and the Pakistan skipper was a major factor in India’s 228-run victory. A fan vote largely favouring Bumrah brought a new dimension to this matchup, drawing the ire of Pakistan’s famous fast bowler, Wasim Akram.
The tension between the two sets of supporters at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo was obvious before the game. The match’s broadcaster ran a poll to find out how fans felt about the upcoming Bumrah-Babar showdown. The results of the poll asking who would win in the match-up between the two were surprising. Overwhelmingly, respondents backed Jasprit Bumrah (98%), while Babar Azam received just 2% of the vote.
Wasim Akram gets Irritated After Babar Azam Receives Only 2 Percent Vote Against Jasprit Bumrah
When former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram saw the poll results, he couldn’t help but laugh at the overwhelming support for Bumrah. Babar Azam was the number one ranked batter in One Day Internationals, as noted by Akram, a veteran of numerous matches between Pakistan and India. He joked that the broadcasters needed to offer Babar some love by increasing his vote total by at least 3 per cent.
“You guys are making these stats up. What? Babar is the No. 1 batter in the world. I mean, come on guys. Give him a little appreciation. Make it 3 percent at least. It will be a great battle. One of the top bowlers in world cricket against the No. 1 batter in the world, who apparently has just 2 percent chance against him,” Akram said.
The meeting between Bumrah and Babar lived up to expectations. Bumrah got the upper hand throughout the game because he delivered 13 balls to Babar, 11 of which were dot balls. Bumrah’s extraordinary accuracy and pressure-building limited Babar’s scoring chances. Babar Azam was bowled by Hardik Pandya’s wicked inswinger in the 11th over of Pakistan’s innings, having scored only 10 runs off 24 balls.
After losing their skipper, Pakistan continued to struggle, scoring just 128 in 32 overs in response to India’s massive score of 356/2. Kuldeep Yadav of India excelled with the ball, taking five wickets in eight overs (5/25). His performance was important in India’s victory over Pakistan.
It was more than simply a cricket match when Pakistan and India met in the Asia Cup 2023; it was a fight of hopes, fears, and individual talents. Although Bumrah triumphed against Babar in their on-field matchup, the cricketing world was once again shown how unpredictable the sport can be.
— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) September 11, 2023
