Though Bangladesh have been eliminated from the tournament, the excitement surrounding this match is palpable. It is driven by the fierce rivalry that has intensified between India and Bangladesh in recent times.

Amid the uncertainty in weather, India in all likelihood will test its bench strength ahead of the ODI World Cup.

The team management is set to give Mr 360 degree batsman Suryakumar Yadav a chance in place of star batter Virat Kohli and expect him to unleash his explosive brand of batting. Partnering him at No. 4, will be Shreyas Iyer, who missed the last two matches due to back spasms. However, he really sweat it out in the nets the day prior to the game.

Team India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah could make way for veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. With a big final awaiting, it only makes sense for India to give their main speedster a breather.

Earlier Pakistan had outclassed Bangladesh before meeting India in the Super Four phase of the tournament. Pakistan only have one match left to play in the Super 4 stage. They will take on Sri Lanka in their final Super 4 fixture. The Green Army are behind Sri Lanka in the Super Four standings. Meanwhile, Bangladesh are virtually out of the race for the summit clash.

Currently, Sri Lanka (+0.420) have a superior net run rate than Pakistan (-1.892). Pakistan will have to beat Sri Lanka in its final Super Four fixture to remain alive in the qualification race. If India win its remaining two Super Four games (vs Sri Lanka and Bangladesh), Rohit’s men will top the Super Four standings to enter the final.

If Sri Lanka end up upstaging India and Pakistan in the Super stage, the reigning champions can seal their place for the Asia Cup final. Pakistan will then only have an outside chance if India suffer a defeat at the hands of Bangladesh. Pakistan will have a much better chance of qualifying for the final if India beat Sri Lanka on Tuesday. That way, net run rate will not come into play and they can play a virtual quarter-final with Sri Lanka to decide the finalist.

Persistent rain had prevented a result when the two teams played in the league stage match in Pallekele on September 2. To avoid a washout of the India-Pakistan Super Four match, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Friday added a reserve day for Sunday’s match, which had a heavy rain forecast.

As per the revised playing conditions, if no more play happens on Sunday due to inclement weather, then the game will continue from the point of interruption with no overs lost. A minimum of 20 overs are needed to be bowled in both innings to achieve a result.

Brief scores:

India 147/2 in 24.1 overs (Shubman Gill 58, Rohit Sharma 56; Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-37, Shadab Khan 1-45) against Pakistan

As per Indian star batsman Virat Kohli, one has to be at his absolute best to face a high quality bowling attack like Pakistan’s.

“I feel bowling is Pakistan’s strength. They have got some really impactful bowlers who can change the course of the game anytime based on their skill set. So, you have to be at your absolute best to face them,” said Kohli during an interview.

Talking about his approach to batting, Kohli said, “I only try to understand how I can better my game. Every day, every practice session, every year, every season, this is what has helped me play this well for so long and to perform for my team.”

“I don’t think you can perform consistently without that mindset because if your performance is your only goal, then you can be satisfied and stop working hard. There is no limit to it,” he added.

Notably, the Men in Blue have won their last three ODIs against Pakistan. The last one was played between the arch-rivals during the 2019 World Cup.

As per all-rounder Hardik Pandya, the multiple battles against Pakistan in Asia Cup will test the character and personality of the players in the Indian team.

“India vs Pakistan is an event which I’ve seen how it checks your character and personality. At the same point in time, you can see in how deep waters you can swim. So, for me, all these factors excite me a lot,” said Pandya.

“A lot of emotions are attached by fans. For us, it is about playing a good team, playing a match against a very good side who has done very well in the recent past,” he added.

Notably, the Asia Cup is being played in the ODI format as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming World Cup to be played in India. Highlighting his approach to the format, the T20 captain stated that a strategic mindset along with situational awareness plays a crucial role.

Kohli needs 102 more runs to complete 13,000 ODI runs and join the elite list with the likes of Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar and former Australian great Ricky Ponting.

If Kohli manages to score 102 runs in the mega event, he will become the fifth international and second Indian batter to reach this milestone.

Sachin, Kumar Sangakkara, Ricky Ponting, and Sanath Jayasuriya are the only other batters to reach this milestone. Apart from that, Kohli will also have the opportunity to become the fastest batter to reach this milestone. He will be surpassing Sachin in the process.

Currently, the record is held by legendary Tendulkar who reached the milestone in 321 innings. Virat has around 55 more innings to break this record.

After a well deserved break, Kohli will return to action for India in Asia Cup 2023 to be co-hosted by both Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30 to September 17. India will lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in the group stage on September 2.