The Indian team is ready to lock horns with Pakistan on  2 September in the Asia Cup 2023 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The high-octane encounter between both teams is likely to be another high-pressure game where even little mistakes could lead to game-changing moments. Both India and Pakistan players will be looking to give all of their blood and sweat in the high-voltage clash. Take a look at a few crucial player battles that can disrupt the outcome of the game on Saturday.


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Rohit Sharma vs Shaheen Shah Afridi


Fans are waiting to see the rivalry between Rohit Sharma and left-arm speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi. Rohit was spotted facing left-arm pacer Aniket Chaudhary at team India’s camp in Alur ahead of the Asia Cup as he seemed to prepare himself well for Afridi’s threat. The Indian skipper has played against Afridi once in ODIs in the 2018 Asia Cup, where he collected 18 off 19 against the pacer without losing his wicket. Coming to T20Is, Rohit’s record against the Pakistani pacer is a cause of concern. In the two innings, Rohit has been snared by Afridi once while giving away just four runs in six balls.


Virat Kohli vs Haris Rauf


That huge six down the ground smashed by Virat Kohli against Rauf is still remembered by fans. It was during the T20 World Cup 2022 when Kohli took on Rauf and changed the game in India’s favour that day. The fight between the two will be vital in the upcoming Asia Cup clash on Saturday. As of now, Rauf has not bowled to Kohli in 50 50-over game but in T20I the former India skipper has a good record against Rauf. Kohli has aced the battle by collecting 42 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 131.25.


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Babar Azam vs Kuldeep Yadav


Another high-voltage rivalry will be between Pakistan’s skipper Babar and Kuldeep Yadav. Babar’s weakness against Kuldeep is quite evident as he has been dismissed twice in three innings. Babar has only scored 18 runs in 34 balls against Kuldeep and Rohit will be looking to use the spinner carefully against the Pakistan skipper.