High stakes as Pakistan-India cricket titans eye personal records

As the cricketing world gears up for the blockbuster showdown in Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan and India are poised for a face-off on September 2 that could rewrite the history books. It’s not just about the epic rivalry this time; several top players are on the corner of shattering individual records, adding another layer of excitement to this high-octane encounter.

Pakistan, having showcased their might with a comprehensive 238-run win against Nepal, have started their campaign on a rousing note. India, on the other hand, will be opening their tournament stint against none other than their arch-rivals, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

Babar Azam on brink of outpacing Kohli

Pakistan's talismanic captain, Babar Azam, is knocking on the doors of history. After a blistering 151 against Nepal, he is just six runs away to surpass Virat Kohli's record to become the quickest captain to clock 2,000 ODI runs. While Kohli reached this in 36 innings, Azam's tally stands at 1994 runs in a mere 30 innings. That's not all. Azam is also on the hunt to become the quickest to amass 20 ODI centuries. Currently, Hashim Amla of South Africa holds this record, having scored his 20th ton in 108 innings. Azam, with 19 centuries in 102 innings, has the next five innings to outdo Amla's achievement.

Rohit Sharma’s quest for 10k runs

Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, is inching closer to a colossal milestone in ODI cricket. Needing 163 runs to reach the elite 10,000-run club, Sharma boasts of 9,837 runs from 244 matches, with an impressive average of 48.69. A tally that encompasses 30 tons, 48 half-centuries, and an individual best of 264. Should he cross this barrier during the tournament, Sharma will etch his name as the sixth Indian to achieve this feat.

Kohli's pursuit of 13,000 runs

India's batting maestro, Virat Kohli, is another luminary on the brink of a significant landmark. With 12,898 runs from 275 matches under his belt, Kohli is a mere 102 runs away from joining the 13,000-run elite club in ODIs. A feat only achieved by one other Indian till date.

 

Tournament Overview

Slated between August 30 and September 17, the Asia Cup 2023 will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Of the 13 fixtures, Pakistan will be the venue for four matches, whereas nine, including the all-important final, will unfold in Sri Lanka. The teams have been divided into two groups: Group A houses Pakistan, Nepal, and India, while Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka battle it out in Group B. The top two teams from each group will proceed to the coveted Super 4 stage.