In a highly anticipated clash in the ICC Cricket World Cup, India is set to take on Pakistan in what promises to be a riveting encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14.
Both teams have been on an impressive winning streak, with India currently occupying second place in the points table and Pakistan following closely behind in third.
In their recent match against Afghanistan, India showcased their dominance as they imposed their will on the game.
Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat, posting a competitive score of 272. India’s star, Rohit Sharma, displayed a masterful performance, smashing a remarkable 131 runs off just 84 balls.
His brilliant knock, supported by a stellar team effort, led India to a resounding eight-wicket victory with a remarkable 15 overs to spare.
Pakistan, on the other hand, locked horns with Sri Lanka in their last outing. Sri Lanka batted first and set a challenging target of 345 runs, thanks to two-century partnerships. Pakistan faced an early scare, but the duo of Shafique and Rizwan combined to chase down this record total with six wickets to spare.
Rohit Sharma has a spectacular record against Pakistan, having amassed 787 runs in 18 matches with two centuries and seven half-centuries. His prowess with the bat makes him a formidable threat in the upcoming match.
Another player with an impressive track record against Pakistan is Virat Kohli, who has accumulated 662 runs in 15 ODIs with three centuries and two half-centuries.
With Kohli’s consistent form and scores of 85 and 55 not out in this World Cup, he is poised to pose a significant challenge to Pakistan’s bowlers.
In the absence of Shubman Gill, KL Rahul becomes even more critical for India’s middle order. Rahul’s century against Pakistan in the Asia Cup last month further underscores his importance.
India boasts a formidable bowling unit, led by the exceptional Jasprit Bumrah, who has consistently delivered since his return to international cricket. His opening spell can be pivotal in securing early wickets. Kuldeep Yadav, with his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs, is another potent weapon in India’s bowling arsenal.
Pakistan will enter the match riding high on confidence following their record run chase against Sri Lanka. The duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique played pivotal roles in that remarkable victory, showcasing Pakistan’s depth in batting. Babar Azam, despite a quiet World Cup, remains a significant threat with his ability to build substantial innings.
Iftikhar Ahmed, known for his quickfire cameos, can further strengthen Pakistan’s middle order. However, their bowling attack, featuring the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, poses a considerable threat to Indian batters. Hasan Ali, who replaced Naseem Shah in the squad, has also been in fine form.
One potential concern for Pakistan is their lack of quality spinners, as Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, and Iftikhar Ahmed have struggled to create pressure. In a high-stakes match, India’s in-form batters might capitalize on this weakness.
With both teams in impressive form and an array of star players, the India-Pakistan clash promises to be a thrilling encounter that cricket fans worldwide eagerly await. The outcome of this match could significantly impact the rest of the tournament, making it a must-watch spectacle.
IND vs PAK Probable XI
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
