Last Time India & Pakistan squared off in an ODI was during the 2019 World Cup

KANDY: Cricket enthusiasts around the world are gearing up for an electrifying showdown as India and Pakistan prepare to face off in the Asia Cup 2023. This highly anticipated match, which will take place today in Kandy, Sri Lanka, marks the first encounter between these arch-rivals in the One Day International (ODI) format after a gap of four years. The excitement is palpable as cricket fans eagerly await the clash between these two cricketing giants.

Scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM IST, the match's toss is set for 2:30 PM, with both teams eager to make their mark in this prestigious tournament. Pakistan's team has already made a strong start, securing victory in their opening match against Nepal. On the other hand, this will be India's first appearance in the tournament, adding an element of intrigue to their performance.

The last time India and Pakistan squared off in an ODI was during the 2019 World Cup, making this encounter all the more significant for fans on both sides of the border. Pakistan, not leaving anything to chance, had announced their playing XI a day ahead of the match, while the Indian team's lineup will remain a mystery until the toss.

As the cricketing world watches with bated breath, weather reports suggest a potential twist in the game. According to various websites of the Meteorological Department, clouds are expected to hover over Kandy during the Saturday afternoon match, with an 84% chance of rain. These conditions could add an element of unpredictability to the match, keeping both teams on their toes.

Notably, The historic rivalry between India and Pakistan has seen a total of 132 ODI matches played. India has secured victory in 55 encounters, while Pakistan has triumphed in 73 matches, with four ending in ties or no-results. The last time both teams contested in the ODI Asia Cup was in 2018, where they played two matches, with India emerging victorious on both occasions.