Asia Cup 2022 which is all set to begin on August 27 is ready to witness a nail-biting cricketing action on the second day of the tournament as two cricketing established giants from Asia, India and Pakistan, will be taking on each other. India will take on Pakistan in the 2nd match of the Asia Cup 2022.
The two sides last met in the T20 World Cup last year, where Pakistan defeated the Virat Kohli-led team by 10 wickets. Since then, a lot has changed for India; Rohit Sharma succeeded Kohli in the captaincy role, and this year saw a number of additions to India’s bowling strength and increased experimentations in the batting order.
India returned to international action after the Indian Premier League, the side has enjoyed an impressive run in the shortest format, defeating England and West Indies in away T20Is while drawing 2-2 against South Africa at home (the decider match was abandoned due to rain). Pakistan, meanwhile, have played only one T20I in 2022 (against Australia in April), where the side faced a three-wicket defeat.
Former Pakistan Skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed in his interview with Sports Paktv has revealed that despite India having played IPL at UAE, Pakistan have played more matches at the venue and understands this venue much better than India.
Sarfaraz Ahmed Weighs In On India vs Pakistan For Asia Cup 2022 Match
Sarfaraz said, “The first match of any tournament sets the tone of the campaign. Our first game is against India. Definitely, our morale would be higher because when we met the last time, Pakistan defeated India at the same venue. Pakistan know the condition very well because we have played PSL here and many home series as well. Yes, India have played in IPL here but they don’t have that much experience of playing in these conditions.”
He pointed out that Pakistan has the momentum with them as in their last encounter against India, Pakistan came out to be victorious defeating India at the same venue.
“It is important for Pakistan to have a fit Shaheen Shah Afridi. If you look at their current team, they have been playing good cricket. But our team, especially in the shortest format, have been playing good,” he added.