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Cricket Asia Cup 2023

'Mutual respect at its best' -Fans react as Babar Azam says he has 'learnt a lot' from Virat Kohli ahead of India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash

Babar Azam and Virat Kohli have held each other in high esteem and have had a lot of respect for each other as players.

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Virat Kohli and Babar Azam

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam (Source: Twitter)

Pakistan hit all the right notes against Nepal as they comprehensively beat them by 238 runs in Asia Cup 2023 inaugural match. Babar  Azam cracked a wonderful 151 off 131 balls with 14 fours and four sixes. The Pakistan captain showed that he is in good form and is ready to make a statement in the continental tournament. Iftikhar Ahmed cracked a wonderful maiden ODI ton as well and Pakistan won the encounter by 238 runs.

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Pakistan's next game will be against India at Pallekele. Babar and Virat Kohli have spoken highly of each other on various platforms in the past and both of them have had respect for each other's batsmanship and how they are as a person. Ahead of the match against India. Babar revealed on Star Sports that Kohli's word of praise further ignited a spark in Babar.

When Virat Kohli says something good about you, It gives you confidence: Babar Azam

"When I met Virat Kohli during the 2019 World Cup, he was at the peak of his power, and he's still at his peak. I asked him a few questions, and he generously explained. I've learnt a lot from him". Babar said on Star Sports,  "I have learned a lot from Kohli - a big player like Kohli says something good about you, it gives a lot of confidence". Babar further added.

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When Kohli was going through a very bad batting phase in 2022, Babar was one among those who sent words of encouragement to the former Indian captain and said "This too shall pass". Kohli soon got rid of his bad streak and broke it with a thunderous hundred against Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2022.

Although there is a lot of excitement for the Indian-Pakistan clash on September 2. There is a threat of rain that could lead to a complete washout. It remains to be seen how the weather will hold up on the day of the game.  India and Pakistan last played each other in the T20 World Cup 2022 where Kohli scored a magnificent unbeaten 82 to help India win by four wickets in a nail-biting contest.

Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:

India Virat Kohli Pakistan featured Babar Azam Asia Cup 2023 Twitter Reactions