India and Pakistan are set to renew their traditional rivalry as they face each other in the Asia Cup 2018
The day has finally arrived. Ever since the Asia Cup 2018 schedule was announced, the cricketing world was waiting for just one match: India vs Pakistan. After a long wait, the day is finally here as the two teams lock horns in the final Group B match today at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Quite a few things have changed since India and Pakistan last met in an epic 2017 Champions Trophy final where Pakistan, against all odds, walloped India by 180-runs at the Oval.
Pakistan has further enhanced their reputation emerging as one of the better bowling sides going around in the 50-over format. India, on the other hand, have shed old leaves, nurtured a few green ones and are better prepared to face their arch-rivals than they were before.
The last time India faced Pakistan was in the ICC Champions Trophy final in June 2017 — a match India would like to forget as soon as possible. After beating Pakistan comfortably in the group stages, an upbeat Indian team was beaten quite comprehensively in the final. After posting 338 on the board, India was all out for just 158 as Pakistan won the match and that tournament.
But when it comes to Asia Cup matches, India has a slight edge over its neighbors as they lead the head-to-head count. In the total 12 games played so far between the two sides, India has beaten Pakistan six times, while Pakistan has won five times, with one game abandoned due to rain. But after a gap of more than a year, the two sides are up against each other once more, this time to top group B in the Asia Cup.
India is without their star man Virat Kohli. The skipper is given some much-needed rest in between what is a very busy cricketing season. In place of Kohli, Rohit Sharma steps in as captain and will be leading the team against Pakistan.
Pakistan, on the other hand, are pretty much set with their first team and the match against Hong Kong was a reminder of that. The team showed their superiority as they bowled out Hong Kong for just 116 runs before getting a two-day break. Pakistan’s players are well rested and look the much better side physically.
Let us take a look at important statistics, head-to-head and past battles between the neighbors:
# Out of the 12 times India and Pakistan met in the Asia Cup, the Men in Blue have won six times, the Green Army were victorious five times with one being declared No Result.
# India is the most successful side participating in the Asia Cup, having won the title a total of six times. Pakistan, on the other hand, have won twice.
# Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who returns from a back-injury, has the best bowling record against Pakistan at Asia Cup, having claimed a total of 11 wickets in seven clashes. He is closely followed by Ishant Sharma, who is also at 11 wickets in equal number of matches.
Arguably the most high-profile match of the Asia Cup, predicting the outcome of this match is no easy task. A match which is played more emotionally than tactically, India vs Pakistan will definitely be a cracker of a match. Last year’s loss in the final is still fresh on the minds of the Indian players and will be eager to right the wrong. Our money is on India to play what will be a game of redemption and maybe sneak away with a victory today.
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