Asian legend has an invaluable advice for Babar Azam and Usman Khan ahead of the marquee clash

Pakistan has triumphed over Hong Kong in their first match of the Asia Cup on Sunday. It was an easy eight-wicket win over the Qualifying team, however, their next match is against arch-rival India. After the match against Hong Kong, Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara was seen giving some valuable inputs to two talented Pakistan cricketers Babar Azam and the left-arm pacer Usman Khan.

Pakistan and India will go head to head in Asia Cup on Wednesday to play their second match of the tournament. The contest between these two neighbouring countries is always a nerve-wracking affair both for the team and fans. The Men in Blue will begin their campaign against Hong Kong on Tuesday and are scheduled to face the arch-rivals on the very next day.

For the past few years, the Indian team have kept a cool head in crunch situations and ultimately emerged victorious in the majority of the games, except in their last meeting where Pakistan outplayed their rivals in every department to win the ICC Champions Trophy. 

PSL opponents uniting in Asia Cup

Former Sri Lankan player, Kumar Sangakkara, had a chat with two of Pakistan’s budding players – Babar Azam and Usman Khan Shinwari, regarding their clash with India on Wednesday. According to the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) official Twitter account, the former Sri Lankan cricketer told the pair to stay calm and control their nerves during the high-octane clash.

Sangakkara has represented Multan Sultans in Pakistan Super League in 2018, and both Babar Azam and Usman Khan Shinwari have played for Karachi Kings. Both of them were the brilliant performers for their opening game against Hong Kong with Usman winning the Man of the Match as well. It remains to be seen if Sangakkara’s advice will help them.

The Wednesday’s contest should be a cracker of a game with two evenly matched sides. India would hope that the void of Virat Kohli would not have an impact on the outcome of the game and they are able to avenge their humiliating loss to Pakistan in England last year. 

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