Ladies and gentlemen, mother of all clashes, the main event before the main event are here, and we cannot control ourselves! Even though this game is just the official start to the tournament for the involved teams, anyone with some cricketing knowledge knows what it means when this fixture is scheduled. So let’s have a look at what is in it for us from the winners of the first two trophies of the T20 World Cup.
India
The host of this year’s tournament is already touted as the favourites to lift the trophy; the only problem this side has is who to select in playing 11. Of course, if a team has big guns like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul filling their squad, any opponent should break a sweat. But all eyes will be on the Indian skipper who has been clinical in previous games against Pakistan, amassing 169 runs at an average of 56.33.
The bowling department looks absolute formidable, with the likes of Bumrah and Shami handling the pace attack. However, the experienced spin prowess, too, cannot be ignored on these pitches. In addition, the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the squad just adds more value to the team.
Pakistan
The darkhorse of every tournament there ever was, Pakistan has a strong case this year due to the emergence of new batting Idols. Babar Azam has been leading from the front and is rightfully regarded as the Pakistani counterpart of Virat Kohli if we look into his exploits right from his debut. His performance will most likely set the tone for this match and the tournament.
For the bowling department, Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali will look forward to taking charge and will be hungry to prove their mettle in this high voltage entertainer.
What can we expect
Both the teams have very few lost points and from the last match (years ago) have evolved in their own right. India has developed their bowling unit into a quality side, while Pakistan’s batting has started to get recognition again, credit to their skipper.
Playing condition-wise, most of the Indian side benefits from the recently concluded IPL held in the UAE and is now well accustomed to these pitches. But one also cannot ignore the fact that if there’s one country that knows these situations inside out, that will be Pakistan, as it’s been their second home over the years now.
Yes, the win record is clearly in favour of India, but one cannot ignore that this time’s Pakistan side is calm, hungry, and knows how to rise as a team, and we might see the perfect Indian record getting spoiled.