Your Handbook to Asia Cup 2023

• The Indian cricket team currently holds the first position on the international list of test cricket
• Pakistan has the first position in the ODI cricket format, and India holds the 3rd position
• The Asia Cup 20223 already begun on 31st August

The Indian cricket team currently holds the first position on the international list of test cricket. Pakistan has the first position in the ODI cricket format, and India holds the 3rd position. Imagine the intense battle when these two Asian teams meet together. This rivalry is one of the top events of the Asia Cup 2023 that the whole cricket fandom is waiting for. The Asia Cup 20223 already begun on 31st August. It will continue till September 17th of this year. Here is a small guide to follow to make this international cricket event even more interesting for Cricket Fantasy players. First, let us learn about this spectacular competition.

Asia Cup 2023: A Brief History

The Asia Cup 2023 is a highly anticipated cricket event that brings together some of Asia’s most passionate cricketing nations. This tournament is like the ultimate showdown for cricket enthusiasts in the continent, where teams like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and others compete fiercely for the 16th edition of this international event.

The Asia Cup 2023. Photo/Mint

This edition is known as the Super 11 Asia Cup for sponsorship reasons. The first Asia Cup dates back to 1984. The inaugural edition, held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), saw India, led by captain Sunil Gavaskar, emerge as champion. India has been the most successful team in Asia Cup history, having claimed the title seven times. Sri Lanka is close behind with six titles (1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014, and 2022), while Pakistan has won it twice (2000 and 2012). Regarding hosts, Bangladesh has hosted the Asia Cup the most times (5), followed by the UAE, which has hosted it four times, including the 2022 edition. India has hosted the tournament once, in 1990-91, and Sri Lanka will join Bangladesh as a five-time host. This edition is being conducted jointly by Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Teams playing in Asia Cup 2023

Group A features India, Nepal, and Pakistan, while Group B comprises of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

Here is The List Of 6 Teams Participating in This Event.

1. India

The Men in Blue entered the competition as the third-ranked team in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India had a solid start this year, sweeping Sri Lanka and New Zealand 3-0 at home. This year, they’ve won nine out of their 12 matches.

2. Pakistan

Babar Azam leads the top ranker of the ODI cricket format. Pakistan has played all eight ODIs this year at home, facing New Zealand in each contest. They secured victories in five matches, with a 1-2 loss to New Zealand in January and a 4-1 triumph in May.

3. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka currently boasts a 10-match unbeaten streak in ODIs. However, they met tough series losses at the beginning of the year, with 0-3 and 0-2 defeats against India and New Zealand. They also lost to Afghanistan in the first ODI of a three-match series at home but managed to bounce back and clinch it 2-1.

4. Bangladesh

They notably won a three-match series against India 2-1 last year and secured a victory against England while losing the series 1-2. Bangladesh maintained their dominance with consecutive 2-0 series wins over Ireland, first at home and then away. However, they suffered an unexpected 1-2 defeat against Afghanistan at home last month.

5. Afghanistan

Often seen as a tournament dark horse, Afghanistan aims to achieve more than occasional upsets and spoiler roles. They recently claimed a remarkable 2-1 series victory in Bangladesh after surprising Sri Lanka in the first match of a three-match series. However, with only six ODIs played in 2023, Afghanistan might need help in preparing for a prestigious event like the Asia Cup.

6. Nepal

Under the leadership of 20-year-old Rohit Paudel, Nepal has had a successful year in ODIs, winning 15 out of 20 matches. Their outstanding performance in the World Cup League 2 event secured them qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, winning 11 out of their last 12 matches. While winning a game in the Asia Cup may be daunting for the 15th-ranked team, Nepal aspires to demonstrate its competence on the grand stage.

Asia Cup 2023. Photo/MyKhel

Asia Cup Match Format 2023

It was in 2018 when this event was conducted as an ODI tournament after five years. The ODI format has returned, and all the teams have prepared for a showdown. Every fan has a question unanswered for this tournament. Why is the Asia Cup held in two countries this time? This is the first time the authority has decided to host this event in two countries. The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) refused to play on the Pakistani grounds to avoid any political tension. This is why Pakistan will conduct four matches, and the rest will be conducted in Sri Lanka. Based on this decision, the format of this spectacular event will arrange ODI cricket matches among six international teams. There will be two groups with three teams in each. In the initial stage, teams within the same group will compete against each other in a round-robin format. Only two leading teams from each group will progress to the Super 4 Leg, where all four teams will face off in another round-robin format. Following the Super 4 stage, the two best-performing teams play the final match. Here is the detailed schedule of Super 4 matches.

Match 1: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore – 3:00 PM IST 6th September

Match 2: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo – 3:00 PM IST 9th September

Match 3: Pakistan vs India, Colombo, 3:00 PM IST 10th September

Match 4: India vs Sri Lanka, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo – 3:00 PM IST 12th September

Match 5: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, 3:00 PM IST 14th September

Match 6: India vs Bangladesh, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, 3:00 PM IST 15th September

Final: Colombo, 3:00 PM IST 17th September

Conclusion

Mark your calendar and be ready for the excitement of seeing your favorite team making history in the 16th Asia Cup. Gather your friends and family to enjoy the thrilling ODI matches and watch the victorious team emerge by defeating the rest.