The highly-anticipated India versus Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2023 is all set to be held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday (September 2).

This will be the first meeting between the two arch-rivals in the 50-over format since the 2019 World Cup. Like always, the emotions are running high ahead of the marquee fixture.

On the eve of the blockbuster encounter, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar claimed that the Men in Green can “hammer” the Indian team if they bat first in Pallekele.

While Pakistan have opened their Asia Cup campaign with a crushing 238-run victory over Nepal in Multan on August 30, it will be India’s first game in the continental tournament.

“Babar and his team are very mature. They have played high-pressure games against India before. They won't be in much pressure now. If Pakistan win the toss and bat first, they will literally hammer India. Vice-versa, if India win the toss, Pakistan could be in trouble because ball isn't really moving much under the lights,” said Akhtar while speaking on his YouTube channel.

Shoaib Akhtar suggested India to field the pace bowling trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj alongside wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

While Bumrah made his comeback to international cricket after a long injury lay-off during the T20I series against Ireland last month, Shami and Siraj are also returning after a significant resting period.

"Both teams have a good chance. Bumrah, Shami, Siraj should be playing together. Kuldeep should play. There's a debate on Virat Kohli on whether he should bat at 3 or 4, and whether Ishan should bat at 5 or open the innings.

“But what I must say is that Pakistan is a formidable side. They have the ammunition with the ball, and their batting is settled. It isn't a volatile batting order anymore, like in the past. These are the two balanced sides when they play in the sub-continent," Akhtar remarked.