The biggest cricket rivalry will take place on Saturday, September 2, in the Asia Cup 2023 as Team India will commence their campaign against hosts Pakistan. Ahead of the crunch fixture, India and Pakistan players met each other during the training session while many prominent figures extended wishes to the Men in Blue.
Let's take a look at what happened in cricket on Friday:
Neeraj Chopra extends wishes to Team India ahead of Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 clash
India’s star Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who recently made history at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, extended his warm wishes to the Indian cricket team. The Indian team will take on Pakistan in their first game of the Asia Cup on Saturday, at the Pallekele Stadium.
Virat Kohli names Anushka Sharma as his role model in life at recent speaking event
While talking to the media ahead of India's clash against Pakistan, star batter Virat Kohli named his wife and Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma as his role model in life. The Delhi-born batter spoke about how Anushka helps him gain clarity in life during difficult situations.
Team India and Pakistan trained together ahead of their Asia Cup clash
Ahead of the crunch fixture, India and Pakistan players were spotted training together as Virat Kohli appeared to have a funny interaction with Pakistani players Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi while the 34-year-old also met Haris Rauf. Ahead of the cricketing drama, the Indian cricketer was seen practicing shots off Mohammed Siraj. However, Kohli got hit with his delivery, and though he confirmed of not getting injured, Kohli soon left the nets.
Apart from this, Shreyas Iyer, who is set to make a comeback in competitive cricket after a long gap due to a back injury, was spotted practicing in the training camp. While the 28-year-old took on fast bowlers easily, Iyer was in visible discomfort as he faced spinners.
Jayant Yadav joins Middlesex for last four County Championship 2023 games
India’s bowling all-rounder Jayant Yadav joined Middlesex for their last four games of the season in the County Championship. Middlesex gave the confirmation of signing the Indian all-rounder for their last four games.
I’ll definitely pick Virat Kohli over Babar Azam: Wasim Akram ahead of Asia Cup 2023 match
Pakistan’s legendary left-arm pacer Wasim Akram said that India batter Virat Kohli is a superior batter to Pakistan’s Babar Azam. The former Pakistan skipper said, “It is a very difficult decision, that is why I don’t become a selector. I’ll probably get a lot of slack back home, but I will definitely pick Virat Kohli over Babar Azam.”
Australia beat South Africa by 8 wickets in 2nd T20I
After winning the first T20I, Australia dominated South Africa in the 2nd T20I at Durban to win the game by eight wickets and 31 balls remaining. Mitchell Marsh (79* off 39), and Matthew Short (66 off 30) powered the Aussies to easily chase the 165-run target. While Aiden Markram (49) scored the highest runs for the Proteas, Sean Abbott and Nathan Ellis picked two wickets each.
England take 2-0 lead against New Zealand in 4-match T20I series
Jos Buttler's England continued their T20I dominance as they defeated New Zealand by 95 runs in the second T20I that was played at the old Trafford Cricket Ground on Friday. Jonny Bairstow (86), and Harry Brook (67) helped the Three Lions to put in a decent total of 198 runs after losing four wickets. While chasing the target, New Zealand lost quick wickets to get bowled out at 103 runs in just 14 overs.