Pakistan

Talking at the press conference on Saturday, Babar shed light on the preparations and team combination and also said that all players are confident of winning the match against India. “We aren't frustrated about the weather because it is not in our control. The forecast said it will rain all four days, but the way the sun is shining right now suggests otherwise. We are trying to utilise all the days we get.

Naseem Shah, who made an outstanding performance for Pakistan as they won the match by 7 wickets, became the first Pakistani bowler to take a wicket in every one of his 13 ODI matches with three scalps against Bangladesh.

After Haris Rauf picked a fiery four-wicket haul in leading Pakistan bowling out Bangladesh for just 193, Imam survived a testing opening spell to make 78, his fifth ODI fifty in last eight innings. On the other hand, Rizwan finished unbeaten on 63 not out for Pakistan to pick two points and sit quickly on top of Super Four stage.

During the discussion on Star Sports, Kaif expressed the opinion that, despite Ishan's impressive half-century against Pakistan, he should make room for KL Rahul in the lineup. In contrast, Gambhir argued that current form holds greater significance than a player's reputation or name.

The same playing eleven from Pakistan, the top-ranked ODI team, had thrashed Asia Cup debutants Nepal by 238 runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium in the tournament opener. Pakistan rose to the top of the ICC ODI rankings after securing a 3-0 series sweep over Afghanistan in Sri Lanka.

Playing his 102nd innings, Babar 28-year notched up his 19th ODI century in the 42nd over, surpassing South Africa's Hashim Amla in the list of players who took the fewest innings to reach the 19th ODI ton.

"This is a very good league; cricket has been very competitive. There is a very good mix of talented young and senior players. After the Lanka Premier League, we have a bilateral series against Afghanistan, followed by the Asia Cup and the World Cup. I am taking it series by series, and every game is an opportunity to prepare. For now, my full focus is on the league," he said.

The victory target of 131 was a mere formality for Pakistan, despite the fact Sri Lanka managed to claim three wickets on the final morning as the runs were successfully chased down prior to lunch, reports ICC. Imam-ul-Haq (50*) and Agha Salman (6*) remained unbeaten as the match came to an end as Pakistan made a perfect start to their new World Test Championship campaign.

“Those matches feature in the latest version of the draft schedule which is likely to see further changes before the ACC announces the final version. The original draft schedule, prepared by the PCB (the hosting board), has already undergone several iterations mainly because of the six-nation tournament being played in Pakistan and Sri Lanka based on the hybrid model approved by the ACC recently,” it said.

India A will be led by a group of promising youngsters who have already showcased their skills on the domestic stage. Players such as Yash Dhull, Dhruv Jurel, Sai Sudarshan and Abhishek Sharma will be looking to make a lasting impression following their stellar IPL seasons and pave their way into the senior national team.