Former India batter Aakash Chopra has said that the history of the Asia Cup won’t allow a final to be played between India and Pakistan. Pakistan is set to face Sri Lanka in a virtual semi-final in the Super-4 stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.
Speaking on his Youtube channel, Chopra said the tournament’s history will not allow an India versus Pakistan final. Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in their final Super-4 stage match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
“If we see today’s match, it has become a straight shoot-out. The big thing is that this tournament’s history says that it won’t allow an India-Pakistan final even though you might try your best,” said Chopra.
He went on to say that Asia Cup 2023 seems like an India-Pakistan tournament due to the way in which it’s been structured. India and Pakistan have already faced each other two times in the tournament, with India winning in the Super-4 stage and the group-stage match ending in a no-result.
“Who did you keep in your group – Nepal. You made only two teams to go out from the six and then wanted to play in the Super Four and the final as well. So it seems like it’s an India-Pakistan tournament. Only India-Pakistan gets a reserve day as well, no one else gets it,” Chopra added.
Chopra said if Pakistan will lose the match if they’re unable to get rid of Sri Lanka’s top-three batter quickly. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are coming off defeats against India in the Super-4 stage of Asia Cup 2023.
“I feel if Pakistan are unable to dismiss Sri Lanka’s top three like India did, they will lose this match. Firstly, win the toss and bat first. If you opt to bowl first after winning the toss, you will lose in any case,” said Chopra.Pakistan will hope the weather gods in Colombo show mercy as a washout will eliminate them from Asia Cup 2023.
