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Virat Kohli (L) and Haris Rauf (R) (X.com)
Leading up to the much-anticipated clash between Pakistan and India in Kandy, there was a heartwarming moment as talismanic Indian batter Virat Kohli, and Pakistan's star fast bowler, Haris Rauf, shared a friendly exchange on the eve of the match.
Both teams, India and Pakistan, trained together at the stadium in preparation for their blockbuster showdown, acclimatizing themselves to the conditions under the floodlights. A video capturing this special moment quickly went viral on social media.
In the video, Kohli can be seen warmly shaking hands with Rauf before they embraced in a friendly hug, both sporting wide smiles. This meeting was a testament to the camaraderie that exists between the two players off the field.
The upcoming India-Pakistan match undoubtedly revolves around the battle between Kohli and Haris. Their rivalry escalated during the T20 World Cup 2022, with Kohli emerging as the dominant force. Notably, Kohli's iconic six against Haris Rauf in that match significantly altered the course of the game. Despite Rauf's fiery pace, Kohli's sheer class outshone the intimidating pacer.
In that game, Kohli single-handedly secured victory for India with an unbeaten 82-run innings. Haris Rauf, fueled by a recent five-wicket haul, now seeks redemption against Kohli. The clash between Haris' searing pace and Kohli's impeccable form promises to be a spectacle. While India's batting lineup is formidable, the contest between Haris and Kohli adds an extra layer of intrigue, especially considering Haris' recent dismantling of Afghanistan. Kohli's reputation for rising to challenges in big events is well-established, setting the stage for an epic showdown.
Kohli's camaraderie extended beyond Haris, as he was also seen exchanging greetings and sharing jovial moments with Pakistan players, including Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi during a practice session in Pallekele.
As the match day approached, Pakistan announced their playing XI well in advance, maintaining the same lineup that secured victory against Nepal in the tournament opener. In contrast, India chose to keep their playing eleven under wraps, adding an element of suspense and anticipation to this already highly charged encounter.
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