The upcoming Asia Cup 2023 holds immense excitement as India and Pakistan prepare to clash once again. With limited bilateral series since 2012-13, the match carries the weight of their historic rivalry. Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam while discussing how they are gearing up for the match said ‘the level of cricket is very good and competitive’

“The India-Pakistan match has always been a rivalry. The entire world experiences the match and enjoys it. Even we enjoy it a lot. I feel that the level of cricket is very good and competitive. Fans miss the India-Pakistan match and both teams always give their 100 percent,” Babar said on Star Sports.

Pakistan tops ODI ranking

Pakistan on Sunday topped the ODI rankings, overtaking Australia. Following their 3-0 ODI series sweep over Afghanistan on Saturday, Pakistan sealed the top spot in the ODI rankings.

Prior to the Afghanistan series, Australia were at the top of the rankings, with Pakistan placed second at 115.8 rating points. However, the series win over Afghanistan saw the Babar Azam-led team leapfrog Australia at the top with 118.48 rating points.

Babar told PCB Digital, “We are excited going into the Asia Cup. The manner of our series victory over Afghanistan will serve us well in the tournament. It wasn’t as easy against Afghanistan as some people think. Everyone is aware of their spin prowess. The momentum we gained in this series will give us confidence in the Asia Cup. We are hopeful of producing good cricket for our fans,” 

Meanwhile, speaking on reaching the top spot, he added, “When you achieve the number 1 position, it gives you a lot of joy and satisfaction. This is the result of the efforts that the entire squad, including the support staff, put in. We were on top of the ODI rankings earlier but dropped to Number 2 after losing a game” 

 

Catch all the Sports News and Updates on Live Mint.
Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.

More
Less

Updated: 27 Aug 2023, 11:23 AM IST



Source link