A thrilling T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan is set to unfold this Sunday in Colombo. All eyes are on this electrifying match, and the main buzz surrounds Abhishek Sharma. Abhishek did not play in the previous World Cup match, with Sanju Samson taking the opening slot. There is uncertainty about whether he’ll play against Pakistan.
In the Asia Cup, Abhishek dazzled with innings of 31, 74, and 5 runs against Pakistan, with India clinching victories in all matches. Ahead of the World Cup showdown, Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha hopes India fields their best eleven, including Abhishek Sharma.
Pakistan Ready to Face Abhishek’s Challenge
The left-handed opener Abhishek is recognized among the world's most formidable batters, known for his capability to wrap up matches swiftly in the powerplay. Pakistan experienced this firsthand during the Asia Cup.
However, the 25-year-old batsman has been struggling with health issues recently. He played against the USA on February 7 with a fever of 103 degrees. Later, a stomach infection led to hospitalization, causing slight weight loss, and he missed the match against Namibia on February 12.
Now, there’s hope Abhishek will be fit for the India-Pakistan clash. Agha has clearly stated he wants to see him play, even if it increases the challenge for Pakistan.
What Agha Says About Abhishek
Agha stated, “I hope Abhishek Sharma plays tomorrow. Hopefully, he is recovering well. We want to play against the best team.”
Final Preparations in Colombo
The Pakistan team has been acclimatizing in Colombo for nearly two weeks and is familiar with the conditions. The team plans to conduct their final practice session at the R Premadasa Stadium from 2 to 5 PM (IST). This epic encounter in Colombo is not just about the standings but also a battle of prestige. While Pakistan seeks revenge for past losses, India aims to maintain their winning momentum.