Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan hold an edge over India given the recent experience of playing in Sri Lanka, says Babar Azam

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam feels his team hold an advantage over India in the upcoming Super Four clash of the 2023 Asia Cup, thanks to their experience of playing in Sri Lanka since July. Pakistan played two Tests against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, and much recently, they faced Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series. Some of Pakistan’s players, including Babar Azam and Naseem Shah, also featured in the recent Lanka Premier League (LPL). “Given the continuous cricket we are playing both in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, you can say that we hold an edge (over India),” Babar said at the pre-match press conference on Saturday. “We have been playing here in Sri Lanka for the past two months or so. We have played Tests, we played a series against Afghanistan and then the LPL… So it can be said that we have an advantage,” he added. “We always knew the schedule and how much we have to travel. So, it’s become important how we look after our players. We have planned everything well,” he continued. Pakistan’s pacers have been impressive in the Asia Cup, with their trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah combining to take a total of 23 wickets so far. Babar said it was important to get wickets in the middle overs. “Yes, we get a good start (with the ball) and the plan always is to bowl good in middle overs. The effort is to have an effective combination. We need wickets in the middle overs but we are not getting them,” said Babar. “But you can see that we are finishing good. Our pacers are doing well at the end. This is a team performance. If someone fails, then another bowler chips in,”  added the 28-year-old. Babar said he hoped for a smooth game on Sunday, despite the rain threat in Colombo. “We are focusing on what is in our control. The way the sun is beaming, I don’t think it will rain a lot (tomorrow). We are trying to do as much practice as we can,” said the right-handed batter.