Asia Cup 2023 | IND vs PAK, Match 3 - Cricket Fantasy Teams After Toss

image-lm0axwgvIndia and Pakistan will be up against each other on Saturday[x.com]

The Asia Cup 2023 will witness its most intense battle on Saturday, with arch-rivals India and Pakistan set to collide in the third group-stage fixture of the six-team event. Talking about Pakistan, the Men in Green thrashed Nepal by 238 runs in the tournament opener. Riding on Babar Azam's whirlwind ton, the co-hosts posted a massive 342-run total on the board. In reply, Nepal managed a paltry 104, as Shadab Khan rattled them with a sensational four-fer. On the contrary, this will be India's first game in the showpiece event, and they would be keen to get off to a winning start under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. 

So, as both teams get ready for the high-voltage clash, let's see who could be the top fantasy picks for this match. 


IND vs PAK, Match 3 - Cricket Fantasy Teams

Toss plays a significant role in creating fantasy teams for a cricket match. So, we have considered two scenarios for providing you with valuable fantasy insights for this high-profile Asia Cup encounter. 


Scenario 1: If India bat first

image-lm0b0m4gVirat Kohli has a fantastic record vs Pakistan [X.com]

The surface in Pallekele is likely to be dry and hard throughout the game. However, with rain predicted, we anticipate a cloudy sky welcoming both teams at the venue on Saturday afternoon. 

So, if India bat first under slightly overcast conditions, expect them to lose at least one early wicket against the Pakistani new ball bowlers. In such a case, pick the middle order batters from the Indian team, keeping Virat Kohli as your first captaincy option.

Talking about Pakistan, their openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq will be vulnerable against India's rampant new ball attack, comprising Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. So, both these batters, particularly Zaman, will be a very risky pick. 

Babar Azam could be one of Pakistan's most reliable batting picks, but there is a slim chance that he will bat long, considering he will face two exceptional spinners in Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja. So, in such a scenario, Iftikhar Ahmed could be a handy pick from Pakistan. Also, given the spin-friendly nature of the surface, Pakistan might ask him to roll his arms for a few overs. 


Cricket Exchange fantasy team 

Wicket-Keeper: Mohammad Rizwan
Batters: Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shreyas Iyer/Rohit Sharma
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Shadab Khan
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shaheen Afridi, Kuldeep Yadav

Best options for Captain: Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya
Best options for Vice-Captain: Iftikhar Ahmed, Kuldeep Yadav

Note: You can swap Shaheen Afridi with Haris Rauf. 


Scenario 2: If Pakistan bat first

image-lm0b3woyKuldeep Yadav has incredible numbers in the middle overs [X.com]

On the other hand, If Pakistan bat first, expect India to get rid of Fakhar Zaman early in the innings. While Imam-ul-Haq could thrive batting in the afternoon, expect moderate returns from Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed and wickets from the likes of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. Kuldeep Yadav could be a reliable captaincy option, as he has been exceptional in the middle overs. 

As the track will quicken up in the evening, expect one Indian opener to play a breezy knock. However, considering the track offered subtle seam movement under the lights, Naseem Shah could be a more handy pick than Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf if Pakistan bowl second. 


Cricket Exchange fantasy team 

Wicket-Keeper: Mohammad Rizwan
Batters: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Naseem Shah

Best options for Captain: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
Best options for Vice-Captain: Imam-ul-Haq, Rohit Sharma