IND vs PAK 3rd Match: Asia Cup 2023 Match Prediction

Pakistan's journey in the Asia Cup 2023 has begun on a triumphant note with a dominant victory over Nepal in Multan. However, the upcoming match is what's truly capturing everyone's attention. The much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is set to take place this Saturday in the intense Group A showdown at Pallekele. Riding on the momentum of their recent 3-0 triumph over Afghanistan, Pakistan enters this match with boosted confidence following their first Asia Cup win. On the other hand, India is determined to kick off the tournament on a positive note and secure a strong start.

IND vs PAK: Match Details

Match: India vs Pakistan 3rd match Asia Cup 2023

Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele, Sri Lanka

Time: 3.00 PM

IND vs PAK: Team overview

Pakistan

Pakistan has begun its Asia Cup campaign on a remarkable note. After choosing to bat first against Nepal in Multan, they amassed a commanding total of 342-6 on the scoreboard, thanks to exceptional centuries from their skipper, Babar Azam (151 off 131 balls), and Iftikhar Ahmed (109* off 71 balls). Their bowlers followed suit with an outstanding performance, limiting Nepal to a mere 104 runs and securing a resounding victory by a whopping margin of 238 runs.

It would be an understatement to say that Babar Azam is currently in exceptional form. He has consistently been the standout batsman across all formats for a considerable period, and his performance in the Asia Cup opener solidifies this reputation. In the current year, Babar has participated in 12 ODIs, accumulating an impressive total of 689 runs at an average of 57.41 and a strike rate of 87.10. This impressive run includes two centuries and six half-centuries.

Opener Fakhar Zaman is another dynamic player who has the potential to turn the tide of the game with his explosive batting. Zaman boasts a commendable record against India and has been in exceptional touch lately, amassing 523 runs in his last ten matches. His average of 58.11 and a strike rate of 92.56 speak volumes about his current form.

Iftikhar Ahmed displayed his prowess as a dangerous lower-order batsman in the previous match. Furthermore, the presence of Mohammad Rizwan in the middle order adds a layer of stability to Pakistan's batting lineup.

In terms of their bowling, Pakistan currently boasts the most formidable fast-bowling attack in the world. The trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf have proven their mettle on a variety of pitches, making them a serious threat to India's batting lineup. It's highly likely that they will make inroads into India's top-order wickets even before the conclusion of the initial powerplay period.

India

India embarks on a crucial journey as they set foot on the path to the ODI World Cup 2023, and the forthcoming Asia Cup, hosted on their home turf, presents a significant opportunity for the team to find their rhythm and establish a winning momentum. In recent times, India has grappled with the challenge of fielding their full-strength squad due to frequent injuries and rests for key players. However, this time around, they are armed with a robust lineup that ticks most of the essential boxes. While KL Rahul remains sidelined due to a niggle, Ishan Kishan is poised to step into his shoes for the first two matches.

India's batting unit, a consistent stronghold, remains their key asset. Virat Kohli continues to be the standout batsman to watch out for. Displaying stellar form this year, he has amassed 427 runs in 10 ODIs, boasting an impressive average of 53.37. This tally includes two centuries and a fifty. Kohli's average of 48.72 against Pakistan, coupled with his proven prowess, hints at the likelihood of yet another memorable performance from the cricketing maestro.

Rohit Sharma, another vital component of India's batting arsenal, can undoubtedly influence the game's outcome. With an average of 51.42 against Pakistan in 16 ODIs, embellished with two centuries and six half-centuries, Sharma's track record against the arch-rivals is commendable. Despite a recent dip in his ODI form, the anticipation of a significant innings from the Indian skipper remains high for this crucial clash.

The spotlight also falls on the all-rounder extraordinaire, Ravindra Jadeja. His versatile capabilities position him as a potential game-changer in both batting and bowling. Jadeja's ability to contribute valuably down the order with the bat, along with his crafty left-arm spin in the middle overs, adds depth to India's resources.

Among the bowlers, Kuldeep Yadav stands out as a formidable threat to the Pakistani batting lineup. The left-arm wrist spinner has notched up an impressive 23 wickets this year from 11 ODIs, displaying a remarkable economy rate of just 4.87. His style of bowling is expected to find favor on this particular wicket.

In the realm of fast bowling, Mohammed Siraj's consistency over the past couple of seasons cannot be overlooked. With 14 wickets in his last six matches and an economy rate of 4.58, Siraj has emerged as India's dependable paceman. Furthermore, with the return of Jasprit Bumrah after a substantial injury hiatus, Mohammed Siraj is poised to play a pivotal role as India's potential game-changer in the pace bowling department.

IND vs PAK: Predicted XI

India

Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Mohammed Siraj, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah

Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Babar Azam (c), Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

IND vs PAKAL: Weather conditions

Pallekele Pitch: A Classic Sri Lankan Surface

The cricket pitch at Pallekele conforms to the quintessential Sri Lankan characteristics. While providing a reasonable platform for batting, the surface tends to be on the slower side. It presents an initial challenge for new batsmen aiming to launch into attacking strokes right from the beginning. The pitch's nature is conducive to aiding spinners, offering them the opportunity to extract turns. Additionally, the relatively sluggish bounce on this pitch is anticipated to create difficulties for the batsmen.

Weather Woes: Rain Looms Large

However, the much-anticipated clash might face interference from the unpredictable rain. The prevailing weather conditions forecast overcast skies and humidity, setting the stage for potentially disruptive heavy showers. As a result, the meteorological uncertainties hold the potential to play spoilsport and impact the course of this significant match.

IND vs PAKAL: Pitch conditions

Pallekele's Batting Statistics: Insight into Averages and Records

The historical data from matches played at Pallekele Cricket Stadium provides valuable insights into the batting trends. The average score when a team bats first on this pitch stands at 248 runs. This statistic underscores the typical equilibrium between batting and bowling conditions that the venue offers.

Remarkable Achievements: Highest Totals and Successful Chases

The record for the highest team total at this ground is a formidable 363/7, set by South Africa in a match against Sri Lanka in 2018. This particular instance serves as a testament to the potential that the Pallekele pitch holds for batsmen to accumulate substantial runs.

In terms of run chases, Sri Lanka managed to achieve a notable milestone by successfully pursuing a target of 314-6 against Afghanistan in 2022. This accomplishment highlights the competitive nature of matches held at Pallekele, where batting second can still yield impressive results.

Strategic Targets: Team Batting First's Approach

As teams strategize their approach while batting first at Pallekele, the historical data suggests that aiming for a target of around 280 to 290 runs is a prudent goal. This range is poised to strike a balance between setting a challenging score for the chasing team and acknowledging the pitch's characteristics, which may offer assistance to both pacers and spinners. The knowledge of these statistical benchmarks can serve as valuable guidance for teams aiming to make the most of their innings at Pallekele Cricket Stadium.

IND vs PAKAL: Toss prediction

Pallekele is likely to have rain on Saturday. Because the chasing side will have a greater chance at the DLS target if the game is cut short due to rain, the team that wins the toss will probably choose to bat second.

IND vs PAKAL: Match prediction

In recent ODIs, India has a strong record against Pakistan. In four of their previous five one-day internationals against them, they have won. Pakistan, though, is a much-improved team presently and won't be simple to beat. They will present a significant challenge to India thanks to a threatening bowling assault and a Babar Azam in the best shape of his life. On paper, The Men in Blue appears to be strong. Their issue, though, is that the squad is still in flux. They haven't played the format in a while, and many of their players are returning from injuries. The team is perhaps a little rusty, and they might have trouble stopping this ferocious tempo attack. On the other hand, Pakistan has been in Sri Lanka for the past few weeks and has developed a strong winning momentum. India may have trouble getting past the No. 1 ODI team unless Rohit or Kohli shine.

We are supporting Pakistan in this crucial game against India.