The stage is nearly set for an epic clash of cricketing giants – India and Pakistan - in the Asia Cup 2023, scheduled for September 2, 2023 (Saturday)
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka, has been chosen as the battleground for this epic encounter. The construction of the stadium coincided with the preparations for the 2011 Cricket World Cup, in collaboration with the development of the Hambantota International Cricket Stadium
A crucial factor adding an element of uncertainty to the Saturday encounter is the weather. The forecast for September 2 predicts heavy thunderstorms in Kandy's Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, according to Weather.com. Fans will be left in suspense till 3 pm on Saturday. There is 90% chance of precipitation on the match day
India's playing XI might see changes due to injuries. With KL Rahul sidelined, Suryakumar Yadav could be introduced for a stronger finish. The inclusion of Yadav allows Shreyas Iyer to recover fully. The potential lineup could be: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Ahead of their 2023 Asia Cup opener against Nepal on Wednesday in Multan, Pakistan unveiled their playing XI strategy. The Pakistan team had three frontline pacers and as many spin-bowling all-rounders. In the spin department, Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan were chosen over Usama Mir
Here's how the Babar Azam-led Pakistan's playing 11 could look like on Saturday: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
The Asia Cup 2023 will take place from August 30 to September 17. The cricketing extravaganza will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar
Doordarshan will also be broadcasting the India-specific matches as well as the Asia Cup 2023 final for free on DD Sports (DD Free Dish)
To counter its rival Jio Cinema, Disney+ Hotstar aims to attract audiences by offering free cricket streaming on smartphones. Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup matches are accessible to all mobile users through the application, adding a new dimension to the viewing experience
Disney Star, the official broadcaster, has partnered with 18 sponsors for the Asia Cup 2023. Renowned brands like Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, and Amazon Pay are among the sponsors. The collaboration aims to enhance the cricketing experience for fans and promote brands across the cricketing spectrum
As the tournament unfolds, Pakistan enters with a wave of winning momentum. In contrast, India grapples with challenges like injuries to key players. The prospect of India and Pakistan facing off multiple times in the tournament looms large. Depending on the results, this legendary rivalry could unfold not once, but thrice. And it will set the momentum for the all-important World Cup match in Ahmedabad on October 14