Exuding unflinching confidence in his team’s ability to take on India in the forthcoming Asia Cup Super 4 match in Colombo, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has the cricket world buzzing with expectation. With so much riding on this match, cricket fans across the globe want to know why Pakistan thinks they have an advantage.
Pakistan’s significant expertise in Sri Lankan circumstances is a key aspect contributing to their confidence. Several Pakistani cricketers have been very active in Sri Lanka during the last several months. The July Test series, the Lanka Premier League, and the two one-day internationals against Afghanistan all contributed to this experience. Such deep participation not only helps the players adjust to the local climate but also gives them unique insights into the game’s setting.
However, the path India made in Sri Lanka was fraught with difficulties of a different kind. The rain in Sri Lanka ruined both of their Asia Cup matches. India scored 266 in their inaugural match against Pakistan, however, only one innings was completed due to weather. Nothing else happened at Pallekele, unfortunately. In another match played at the same site, India successfully chased a reduced target in only 23 overs, keeping all of their wickets in the process. These weather-related setbacks may have forced India to face ambiguity.
Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, is open about his team’s recent success in Sri Lanka giving them an edge against India. Speaking at a press conference before the game, he said, “Given the continuous cricket we are playing both in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, you can say that we hold an edge (over India).” Babar stresses the quantity of cricket played by Pakistan in Sri Lanka during the previous two months. This includes both Test matches and a series against Afghanistan, as well as the Lanka Premier League. Pakistan’s familiarity with Sri Lankan conditions thanks to these meetings gives them an advantage.
Pakistan’s Confidence Soars: Babar Azam’s Take on Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 Clash between IND and PAK
Pakistan’s performance in the Asia Cup Super 4 round has been inspiring. They finished their tournament in Pakistan with a victory against Bangladesh by seven wickets in their opening match, which took place in Lahore. All remaining Super 4 stage matches, however, are set for Colombo, where rain clouds often obscure the playing field. With a 90% chance of rain on September 10, the Asian Cricket Council has confirmed the availability of a backup day for India vs. Pakistan match.
Air travel between Pakistan and Sri Lanka presents some serious logistical difficulties. Babar Azam, however, doesn’t buy this as an explanation, pointing out that the itinerary was public knowledge months in advance. “We were fully aware of our journey time and itinerary. It’s crucial that we take care of our athletes now. We have planned everything well,” he emphasised that Pakistan was ready for the strenuous trip.
“Given the continuous cricket we are playing both in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, you can say that we hold an edge (over India),” said Babar in the pre-match press conference.
“We have been playing here in Sri Lanka for the past two months or so. We have played Tests, we played a series against Afghanistan and then the LPL… So it can be said that we have an advantage. We always knew the schedule and how much we have to travel. So, it’s become important how we look after our players. We have planned everything well,” he said.
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As a result of the team’s significant experience in Sri Lankan conditions, their previous excellent results, and their rigorous preparation, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam feels confident heading into the match. The upcoming Asia Cup Super 4 match between Pakistan and India has cricket fans across the globe anticipating what is sure to be a thrilling cricket spectacular.
