Asia Cup 2023 will see six teams battle for the top spot. Pakistan was earlier announced as the sole host of the tournament; however, that changed to two countries jointly hosting the tournament due to Pakistan’s current state of affairs in terms of security. Now, Sri Lanka will be a co-host, organizing all the matches for the Indian Cricket Team.
The Asia ODI cricket tournament begins on August 30, 2023, and ends on September 17, 2023. There are 2 groups with 3 teams each – Group A and Group B. The Group stage will run through August 30, 2023, to September 05, 2023. This will be followed by Super Four from September 06, 2023, to September 15, 2023. The stage will be set for the ultimate fight on September 17, 2023 – the venue and contestants are yet to be decided.
Group A
India, Nepal, and Pakistan form the first group of the tournament. Co-hosts will take on Nepal in the opener in their backyard – Multan Cricket Stadium. The match is set for August 30, 2023, at 3 pm IST.
A trip to Sri Lanka for Babar Azam’s men will pave the way to face their arch-rivals – Indian Cricket Team. Come September 02, 2023. Another streaming record could break all hell loose. Pallekele International Cricket Stadium will see the first ball at 3 pm IST.
Nepal will have the final chance of qualifying on September 04, 2023. It will be held versus 7-time winners at 3 pm IST in Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. India are favorites to clinch the title once again per some cricket betting sites.
Group B
It’s a competitive group that has the potential to leave fans upset. Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh will begin their tour on August 31, 2023, from Pallekele International Cricket Stadium at 3 pm IST. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will set the stage for what comes next in the group.
Bangladesh have never won the tournament. They have ended up at the runner-up position 3 times. Facing Afghanistan can still pose a danger as the opponent seeks redemption for their 3-ODI losses against Pakistan. The date for the competition is September 03, 2023, at 3 pm IST in Gaddafi Stadium – Pakistan.
The final group match will be between 6-time winners who are also co-hosts and Bangladesh. Gaddafi Stadium will continue hosting the match on September 05, 2023, at 3 pm IST.
Next Up
Teams for the Super Four will be decided based on which teams finish in the top spots of their respective groups. Venues for all 6 events are yet to be decided. Organizers will take a final call after all teams have advanced to the next stage. The Final has a similar tune on the music list.
India and Sri Lanka are most likely to play in the finals. Pakistan and Afghanistan could give a tough fight. Both teams recently played 3 ODIs in Sri Lanka. So, they do have a bit of an idea about pitch and weather conditions.
Nevertheless, Asia Cup 2023 will be about holding temperament, absorbing the pressure, and taking every over as it comes.