It is the mother of all battles. India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in a no-holds-barred contest. The Indian team notched up two wins in both their warmup games announcing their arrival into the World Cup. Pakistan on the other hand won comfortably against West Indies and lost a narrow game against South Africa. This edge-of-the-seat contest promises nothing short of an epic battle, lets analyze more about IND vs PAK match.
IND vs PAK: Form Preview
Will India’s World Cup domination over Pakistan continue?
India hold a 5-0 record in T20 World Cup matches against Pakistan. They have an overall World Cup record of 12-0 across both formats. India have a psychological advantage against Pakistan, especially in the World Cups. They walk into this tournament as one of the favourites. Most of the Indian players have had recent experience playing in the UAE. This will help them counter Pakistan’s familiarities with the conditions here. India’s balance helps them have an edge over Pakistan who are yet to find their perfect XI.
Can Pakistan break their World Cup jinx?
Pakistan were the superior of the two teams in the 20th century. But at the turn of this century, the tables have certainly turned. Pakistan are playing catchup cricket owing to their limited exposure recently. Their T20 team boasts of fine individual talents but they are not tested frequently at the highest level. Pakistan have to fight not just form but expectations, and pressure to excel in the World Cup. Their biggest hurdle lies at the very first step in form of India against whom they have an abysmal World Cup record.
IND vs PAK: Favourites?
India hold a psychological edge over Pakistan as they have a 5-0 win-loss record against Pakistan in the T20 World Cups. In a contest where both sides are blessed with talents, it will boil down to the team who will handle pressure better. India have proven time and again that they are better than their opponents in this regard.
Which players will be match-winners in this game?
Rohit Sharma has a fine record against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s hopes will lie on Babar Azam’s shoulders.
X-factor player:
Virat Kohli has terrific numbers against Pakistan, especially in the T20 World Cups.
Fakhar Zaman can be Pakistan’s X-Factor at number 3.
Probable Playing XI:
India predicted XI:
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammad Shami/Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah
Pakistan predicted XI:
Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
What do stats say about IND vs PAK?
IND and PAK and have played 8 T20I games against each other.
IND has won 7 games. PAK has won 1 just match.
IND’s highest score against KKR is 192. PAK’s highest score against CSK is 181.
IND’s lowest score against KKR is 133. PAK’s lowest score against CSK is 83.
Pitch:
The Dubai pitch does offer a bit for everyone. The batsmen can trust the true bounce. There will be swing early on. But if the openers are able to ride the early challenge then they might be in for a big knock. It is only fair that this big match is played at a venue that doesn’t offer anyone an undue advantage.
Weather Report:
A high of 34 degrees and a low of 26 degrees is expected. There are no chances of rain. Dew might not play a big factor in Dubai.
Ground stats:
A total of 69 matches has been played at this venue. Teams batting first have won 36 games while chasing teams have won 32. The average scoring batting first at this venue is 144. On the other hand, the average 2nd innings score is a paltry 122. Anything above 160 will be a par score batting first.
StumpsandBails verdict:
It is a battle between two Asian giants. The one who holds the nerves will emerge victorious in this big game.
