Even as Asia Cup 2023 hasn't yet started, there is already a lot of excitement among the fans and those in cricket fraternity for the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash. Former Australian cricketer turned pundit Tom Moody has also weighed in on the Asian rivalry and has made a huge statement ahead of the IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 clash. Moody compared the match to the iconic Ashes rivalary between Australia and England.
He, however, rated the India vs Pakistan bigger than even the Ashes which happens to be cricket's oldest rivarly. He recokoned that the role of Shaheen Afridi will be absolutely critical when the two teams square off at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on September 2 in what will be the first of multiple encounters between the two teams in the coming months.
"Shaheen Afridi. Full Stop. I just think that Shaheen Afridi with the new ball is a major threat, which he has done historically. Broken through with that new ball, manages to blow away a couple of early wickets, which then opens up the middle order for India to resurrect things. Particularly for a middle order that hasn’t had a lot of game time," Moody told Star Sports.
"I think this match surpasses the Ashes. It’s always got a lovely story to it, and both are outstanding cricketing nations. And when you look at that Pakistan squad, it does boast a lot of talent. But one thing that stands out for me is that it also boasts experience. So now they have the combination of experience and talent, they are a real threat. They can match India with their pace bowling; they’ve got genuine pace on their side, and the only issue I see them potentially having is the depth in the quality of their batting which India has got. So that’s going to be the interesting pressure that they put on the likes of Babar Azam at the top of the order," he added.
India and Pakistan will meet on September 2 in their Asia Cup group-stage match. With the two teams likely to proceed to Super Fours, they will meet again on September 10 in Colombo. If there is an IND vs PAK Asia Cup final, the two neighbouring countries will lock horns on September 17 at the same venue. On October 14, Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam's sides are slated to take on each other in an ODI World Cup fixture. The arch-rivals can meet again if they both manage to reach the knockout stage of the ICC event.