Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes that stability in the batting department is one of the reasons behind Pakistan’s improved performance in ODI cricket.
The Babar Azam-led unit are currently the number one team in ODI cricket as they gear up to face India later today during the Asia Cup 2023 in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
“While the bowling still remains aggressive, stability has replaced volatility in Pakistan’s batting unit. One of the key reasons that has taken them to the top of the pile,” Chopra posted on X.
“The depth in batting courtesy Shadab and Nawaz (batting at 7-8) makes them a potent unit. After many years…we must say that the gap has narrowed between India and Pakistan in white-ball cricket,” he added.
Chopra also admitted that India don’t have all bases covered ahead of the mega clash.
“India’s going into this tournament slightly undercooked…especially for the first game. Iyer making a comeback from injury. Ishan batting out of position. Bumrah playing an ODI game after really long. Rohit-Virat haven’t played a competitive game in a month. Might want to play the pace trio of Bumrah-Shami-Siraj but that means batting ends at #7. Selecting the XI man will be tricky today—Axar, Shardul or Siraj/Shami?,” he said.
Pakistan began their Asia Cup 2023 campaign on a high with a massive 238-run win over Nepal on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, India will kick start their tournament with the match against their traditional rivals Pakistan.
India have the upper hand against Pakistan with seven wins in 13 Asia Cup (ODI) matches. Meanwhile, Pakistan have won five with one match ending in no result.
Pakistan have also lost four of the last five matches against India in the Asia Cup, with their last win coming in Mirpur in 2014. It was the same match where Shahid Afridi hit two consecutive sixes against Ravichandran Ashwin in the last over to get Pakistan over the line.
The Asia Cup 2023 will be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka between August 30 and September 17.
Four matches will be played in Pakistan, while nine, including the final, will be played in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan are in Group A alongside Nepal and India. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are in Group B.
Top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4 stage of Asia Cup 2023.