Babar Azam: Pakistan has edge over India in Asia Cup Super 4

COLOMBO: Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, expressed confidence in his team’s advantage over India in the upcoming Asia Cup Super 4 clash in Colombo, citing their familiarity with Sri Lankan conditions.

Several Pakistani players have actively participated in Sri Lanka, including the Test series in July, the Lanka Premier League, and bilateral ODIs against Afghanistan. This experience is expected to provide them with a crucial edge in the local conditions.

In contrast, India faced disruptions due to rain in both of their Asia Cup matches in Sri Lanka. In their initial encounter against Pakistan, only one innings was possible, with India scoring 266 before rain ended the game in Pallekele. Similarly, at the same venue, rain led to overs being deducted, and India chased a revised target in 23 overs with all wickets intact.

Asia Cup: Pakistan vs India Super 4 match to have a reserve day

Babar Azam emphasized that Pakistan’s recent months of experience playing in Pakistan and Sri Lanka would benefit their pursuit of a spot in the competition’s final.

“Given the continuous cricket we are playing both in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, you can say that we hold an edge (over India),” Babar said during the pre-match press conference. “We have been playing here in Sri Lanka for the past two months or so. We have played Tests, we played a series against Afghanistan, and then the LPL… So it can be said that we have an advantage.”

Pakistan secured a convincing seven-wicket victory in their first Super 4 stage match against Bangladesh in Lahore. However, all remaining Super 4 matches are scheduled to take place in Colombo, where the looming threat of rain affects nearly every match day. To address this concern, the Asian Cricket Council has confirmed the provision of a reserve day for the India vs. Pakistan clash on September 10, considering a 90% precipitation forecast for the day.

Despite the challenges of frequent air travel between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Babar Azam stressed that it should not serve as an excuse, as the schedule was known well in advance.

“We always knew the schedule and how much we have to travel. So, it’s become important how we look after our players. We have planned everything well,” he stated.