Two arch-rivals India A and Pakistan A are set to face each other in the final of Emerging Asia Cup 2023. India A will be looking forward to dominating the finals as they did throughout the Asia Cup tournament. It is going to be a high-voltage clash on Sunday
India will be already confident about their gameplay and the way they have played the tournament. India A captain, Yash Dhull will be proud of his team and the efforts they have put in to reach the final.
Both India A and Pakistan A are coming to the final after winning their semi-final matches against Bangladesh A and Sri Lanka A respectively.
The Semi-final against Bangladesh was a microcosm of that trait. India were bundled out for 211, a below-par total even on a sluggish R Premadasa Stadium pitch. Yash Dhull, the Indian skipper had shown his determination to stand at his crease and played a great knock. And also aggregated some runs through small partnerships with the lower-order batsman. The Bangladesh openers, who were in good touch in this tournament, started briskly scoring over 6 runs an over.
They raced to 94 for 1 in the 18th over and looked poised for a smooth win. But the Indian spinners — Nishant Sindhu and Manav Suthar — owned the stage from thereafter, rolling over Bangladesh for 160. The captaincy of Yash Dhull, who also made a crucial 66, and the fielding too were spot on as India snatched a win that looked improbable at one stage.
This Battle between these two teams is not going to be easy. But the win against Bangladesh would have given the team the much-needed confidence booster, that will be India’s primary weapon going into the final against Pakistan. Having said that, underestimating Pakistan will be naive. They are a talented side, and many of their players have considerable international and Pakistan Super League (PSL) experience behind them.
All-rounder Mohammad Wasim, captain Mohammad Harris, opener Sahibzada Farhan, and pacer Arshad Iqbal all have tasted international cricket While players such as Amad Butt and Omair Yousuf have been proven performers in the PSL.
Meanwhile, India A side is inexperienced in terms of International Matches neither they have played a lot of IPL as well. With the kind of form Sai Sudharsan is having, he further would be looking to continue in the finals as well. Yash Dhull, India U-19 World Cup-winning captain has his own experience in playing the final already. He would be looking to keep the game plan simple and give his best for the team.
