Possibility of three India-Pakistan thrillers adds spice to continental contest
A Pakistan and India fan during the 2019 World Cup match between the two teams at Old Trafford. It was the last time they played an ODI, and India won by 89 runs. Pic/Getty Images
Three possible high-octane India versus Pakistan games for the starved fans on both sides of the border along with a final chance for five nations to put their respective houses in order before the World Cup adds context to the Asia Cup, starting in Multan on Wednesday.
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It is the final stop for five of the six teams, barring Nepal, to find answers for some nagging questions ahead of the global event, starting October 5.
Of course, there are some bilateral and practice matches ahead of the cricket’s big show, but the Asia Cup, to be played in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, will give the teams the atmosphere of a multi-nation tournament, mirroring that of a World Cup.
India seven-time champs
India enter the Asia Cup as seven-time champs, the most by any team, but adding an eighth title might not feature on top of their bucket list. A title win will be welcomed, but the brain bank comprising of head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma will be keen to see a few pieces fall in place ahead of the World Cup.
KL Rahul will miss the first two games as per head coach Dravid and time is running out for the Bengaluru keeper-batter to get match fit for the competition.
Shreyas Iyer is expected to take to the field when India face Pakistan on September 2 at Pallekele. Though Iyer has gone through extensive drills at nets and match simulation at the NCA ahead of his selection to the Asia Cup squad, the management will be keen to see how he responds to the rigours of a real match situation.
There will be similar levels of anxiety about Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna. Both pacers made their return to Team India in the T20I series against Ireland recently after a lengthy injury layoff.
India are the main cast, but Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are good sides too.
Also Read: KL Rahul to miss India's opening two Asia Cup games due to niggle, concerns over his WC availability
Sri Lanka’s squad in tatters
The Lankans have six Asia Cup titles but are struggling to find a full squad after injuries to Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara and Dilshan Madhushanka. Chameera, Kumara and Madhushanka offer pace in excess of 140 kmph and their absence will hurt. Bangladesh’s build up is mired in cacophony—injured Tamim Iqbal and Ebadot Hosain are ruled out—leading to the return of Shakib Al Hasan as ODI captain after six years.
Among the turbulence the other teams are facing, Pakistan, under Babar Azam, seem to be a settled unit.
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