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In what promises to be a high-voltage encounter, India and Pakistan are gearing up for their much-anticipated showdown in the Asia Cup 2023. Positioned as a precursor to the ODI World Cup, this 50-over contest is designed to prep Asian cricketing giants for the grand event in October and November.
The electrifying match-up is slated for September 2, and ahead of this, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has shared his insights into the storied rivalry and its significance in the cricketing world.
In a promotional segment by Star Sports, Jadeja commented on the heightened expectations accompanying the India-Pakistan match-up. "When there's a match between India and Pakistan, there are high expectations to win... However, yes, the India-Pakistan match garners more attention, and we strive to perform to the best of our abilities," he elaborated during his chat with Star Sports.
Recalling the last Asia Cup, hosted by Sri Lanka in the UAE, both India and Pakistan clinched a victory apiece in their two encounters. Pakistan's crucial win over India was pivotal in earning them a final berth in the 2022 contest, though they eventually ceded the title to Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on the loss, Jadeja emphasized the team's unwavering commitment to optimal performance. "We aim to deliver our performance and play as well as we can... While you can put in proper focus and give your 100% on the field, there's no guarantee of a particular outcome. You can give your best effort and play to win, but at the end of the day, if the result doesn't go your way, there's nothing much you can do," he opined.
With their sights set on the Asia Cup, Team India enters the competition on the back of a successful ODI series triumph against the West Indies. The primary agenda for the squad is to solidify the team dynamics, ensuring the core group enjoys sustained gameplay, perfectly setting the stage for the ODI World Cup 2023.
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