New Delhi : India will open their Asia Cup campaign against arch rival Pakistan at Pallekele on September 2. Cricket fans from all over the world are looking forward to this encounter. However, rain may spoil this fantastic contest. The weather forecast for this match is not favourable for either the teams or the fans. There is a 70 percent chance of rain. In such a case, the chances of the match being completed are extremely slim. The Sri Lanka Meteorological Department predicts that rain will continue to fall in numerous areas for hours.
Meanwhile, teams from India and Pakistan will meet in One-Day International (ODI) after a four-year hiatus. During the 2019 World Cup, the two teams clashed in Manchester. After that, the two teams met twice in the T20 Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup. In this case, this is the first of three possible contests between the two teams before the World Cup. And it will most likely be ruined by rain.
Last year, both teams met in the T20 tournament. This time it will be one-day internationals. The last five One-Day Internationals between India and Pakistan were one-sided. However, fans are expecting a tough battle in the Asia Cup. Both teams faced each other three times in last year’s Asia Cup T20 and T20 World Cup. All the three matches were decided only in the last over. Fans can expect a similar match. Fans can look forward to a similar thrill.
In ODI cricket, Pakistan has the edge over India when the matches are compared directly. The first One-Day International (ODI) was played between India and Pakistan in 1978. The most recent match took place during the 2019 World Cup. In all, both teams have played 132 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). While India have won 55, Pakistan triumphed in 73 matches. Four matches ended in a draw. When it comes to the Asia Cup, India seems to have the upper hand against Pakistan. In 1984, India and Pakistan played each other for the first time in this competition. In the One-Day International (ODI) format of the Asia Cup, the two countries have played 13 matches. Pakistan has won five matches while team India have won seven. One match remained a draw.
There have been many close contests during this period. Pakistan won the Asia Cup only twice, while India won a total of seven times. The Indian team played their last One-Day International against the Windies on July 27.