Asia Cup 2023: Wasim Akram disagrees with Rohit Sharma's decision to bat first in adverse weather conditons

India and Pakistan are currently playing match 3 of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 competition in Pallekele. The conditions were overcast ahead of the toss, and frequent rain interruptions have been predicted throughout the course of the match. In the same light, Wasim Akram and Sanjay Manjrekar felt that the team that wins the toss could opt to bowl first to use the favourable conditions. Also, if DLS comes into effect and dew plays a part, the chasing team has the advantage.

Rohit Sharma, however, surprised the experts when he won the toss and opted to bat first. He seemed quite confident with his decision. He noted that the overcast conditions could pose a problem batting first but was willing to take the challenge.

"We are going to bat first. There is a bit of weather around, but can't think much about it. Got to play good cricket, you need to embrace the challenge, embrace the situation," the Indian captain said after winning the toss. Interestingly, Babar Azam also mentioned that he would have liked to have batted first had he won the toss.

Wasim Akram was perplexed with Rohit's decision as the legendary former Pakistani pacer felt that the Men in Green could find it easier to chase down a total as dew is expected to play a part.

"A high-quality and unique pitch. Fast bowlers can get some seam, the spinners will get some turn, and a good batter can also score a century on this wicket. With DLS in picture, the captain winning the toss might prefer to bowl first," said Sanjay Manjrekar on Star Sports while doing the pitch report prior to the toss.

Shaheen Afridi sends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back to the hut

Pakistan's talismanic pacer Shaheen Afridi showed his class with the new ball as he dismissed India's two most experienced batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Shaheen bowled a couple of deliveries that left Rohit before an inswinger sneaked through the veteran batter's defence. Virat also didn't last long in the middle as he chopped one onto the stumps.

Also see: Most Wickets in Asia Cup 2023

Shreyas Iyer, who was making a comeback after recovering from a back injury, tried to show some intent, but his innings was cut short when he pulled one straight to Fakhar Zaman at mid-wicket off Haris Rauf. India managed to get to 48/3 after ten overs.

Also Check: Asia Cup 2023 Live Updates