Mohammad Rizwan opens up on Indo-Pak rivalry ahead of the Asia Cup clash

The Asia Cup 2023 is around the corner, with the marquee clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan scheduled for September 2 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy. Mohammad Rizwan opens up on Indo-Pak rivalry on this intense rivalry in an interview with Star Sports. The focus of the conversation revolved around the importance of handling pressure in these high-stakes matches.

Handling Pressure: The Decisive Factor

Mohammad Rizwan emphasized that both India and Pakistan have their strengths and weaknesses. According to him, the team that better manages the stress and pressure of the situation will have a winning edge. “Whoever handles pressure will win the match,” Rizwan remarked in a snippet released by Star Sports on their social media channels.

Historical Insights: India vs Pakistan ODIs

In the 132 ODIs between India and Pakistan so far, India has secured 55 wins, while Pakistan has triumphed in 73 matches. Four matches ended in no result. This leaves India with a win percentage of 41.66 against Pakistan in ODIs.

When it comes to their history in the Asia Cup, out of 16 matches, India has won nine, and Pakistan has won six. One game ended without a result.

Asia Cup 2023: Format and Schedule

The Asia Cup this year will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, starting from August 30. Group A comprises Pakistan, India, and Nepal, while Group B features Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. The tournament will adopt a hybrid model, with Pakistan hosting four matches and Sri Lanka hosting the remaining games.

The initial group stage will lead into the Super Fours stage, starting on September 6. The grand finale will be on September 17 in Colombo, featuring the top two teams from the Super Fours.

Last ODI Encounter: World Cup 2019 Recap

The last ODI battle between the two nations was during the 2019 World Cup. India gained the upper hand thanks to Rohit Sharma’s dazzling 140 off 113 balls. Pakistan, chasing a target of 337 runs, lost by 89 runs through the D/L method due to rain interruptions. Sarfaraz Ahmed was the captain of the Pakistan team at that time.

Mohammad Rizwan opens up on Indo-Pak rivalry. The upcoming India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2023 promises to be an electrifying contest, given the historical context and the intense rivalry between the two nations. With players like Mohammad Rizwan and Rohit Sharma taking the field, it will undoubtedly be a match for the ages. Keep an eye out for this high-voltage encounter that could very well be decided by how well each team handles the pressure.