Asia Cup - India vs Pakistan: Five key battles
After thumping Bangladesh in the Asia Cup opener, India take on arch-rivals Pakistan in Dhaka on Saturday. Considering that the game will be played in a city that has had historical significance in determining the relations between the two countries, there’s a lot to look forward to – emotions, drama and a fiercely fought contest.In this particular format, India and Pakistan have gone head to head six times, with India getting the better of their opposition on four of those instances. While Pakistan gear up to make numbers such as these look more favourable, Sportskeeda presents five key battles that one will get to see, come 27 February.
#1 Mohammad Amir vs Rohit Sharma
When Rohit Sharma was busy slamming hundreds across the world, Mohammad Amir was gruelling it out in the backyards of Pakistan cricket, attempting what many thought would be a failed comeback.
But what a comeback it has been. After blazing through the domestic competitions in Pakistan, and later on, the Bangladesh Premier League – Amir earned the green jersey back on the tour to New Zealand. He reaffirmed the selectors’ faith by picking up five wickets in two T20I outings.
However, what awaits him, is perhaps the stiffest test of his short career. He will be up against an Indian line-up that look favorites for not just the Asia Cup, but also the World T20, slated to be held in India next month.
Amir’s first T20 outing against India, will bring him face to face with Sharma, a batsman at the peak of his batting prowess. Sharma’s sublime stroke play, and a new found ability to bat deep into the innings is creating headaches for bowlers from across the world. If his 83 against Bangladesh is anything to go by, the best is yet to come.
So will it be Amir’s left-arm outswingers or Sharma’s blade that eventually emerges victorious at Mirpur on Saturday? It’s a contest for the ages.