Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
 |
| Image credit: IndiaFantasy |
Stop the press. We have an India vs Pakistan game. The first since Pakistan’s amazing victory in the Champions Trophy Final last year.
The two favourites for the tournament go head-to-head in what must be called a relatively low key clash, given both sides have already qualified for the Super Four with contrasting wins over Hong Kong.
But, in reality, there is no such thing as a low key India vs Pakistan clash. In its rarity, you will discover its beauty, deriving from an incredible rivalry. Neither team will want to lose this one.
After a scratchy, nervy day yesterday, India will be back at it again today. Sure, the team fielded yesterday is not first choice, but the same pressing issues remain. Their middle order and early over bowling issues need to be sorted out ahead of next year’s World Cup, and they will be put to the test against talented sides for the remainder of this tournament. With changes expected, can they put a better showing today?
For Pakistan, watching closely yesterday would have given them key pointers on how to beat India. Of course, India will be up for this game, and will be a difficult beat, but Pakistan have the resources to not only do well today, but go all the way in Asia Cup 2018. Can they flex their muscle and make a big statement against a side that struggled to dislodge Hong Kong?
Key to an India win
Even without Virat Kohli, so much depends on India’s top order. Yesterday, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik helped propel India to 240/2 midway through the 41st over.
That they only reached 285 from there is a big concern, highlighting the continuous middle order challenges facing India. Can MS Dhoni stand up today? What about Kedhar Jadhav and Hardik Pandya, if picked?
Also, expect India to be back at full strength with the ball, with Jasprit Bumrah in line for a return to the team. Early wickets are a must against a strong performing Pakistan top order, paving the way for Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav to do their thing. India really struggled against Hong Kong’s openers, and a repeat should be avoided.
Key to a Pakistan win
Pakistan look a good side at the moment, but the opposition in their last six ODIs have not exactly resembled powerhouse.
Given India’s predicament right now, having just completed an England tour plus a tougher match that hoped for in the UAE heat, Pakistan are favourites. How will they respond? Will Pakistan’s left arm seamers cause India problems? Can they knock over the top order and target the fragile Indian middle order? What damage can Pakistan’s in form top order cause?
These are key questions that will pave the way to success for Pakistan in this clash.
Possible teams
With the schedule not very kind, expect India to go in with a few changes today. KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya could be back. Khaleel Ahmed could feel hard done by after a good debut.
India possible XI: 1. Rohit Sharma (c), 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. KL Rahul, 4. Ambati Rayudu, 5. Kedhar Jadhav, 6. MS Dhoni (wk), 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal
For Pakistan, it is likely they will stick with the same side that brushed Hong Kong aside.
Pakistan possible XI: 1. Fakhar Zaman, 2. Imam-ul-Haq, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Shoaib Malik, 5. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 6. Asif Ali, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Mohammad Amir, 10. Hasan Ali, 11. Usman Khan
Dream11
This game possesses a number of excellent players from each side.
- Rohit Sharma is a good option. He has had a few failures in a row in ODIs, which is a cue to a good innings, even against Pakistan’s left armers.
- Will Shikhar Dhawan back up well after yesterday? Not sure.
- Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman (c) make the team, so too Hardik Pandya and Shadab Khan who have wicket taking potential.
- I expect Bhuveneshwar Kumar to have a better outing than yesterday. Mohammad Amir loves big games, as is a good pick despite just three wickets in eight ODIs this year. Hasan Ali is also a quality ODI bowler.
Keen to have a go? Join me in playing Dream11! Register here.
Stats and Facts
- It is the first meeting between Pakistan and India since the Champions Trophy Final in 2017.
- Since then, Pakistan have won 11 of 16 ODIs, all against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Hong Kong.
- MS Dhoni vs Pakistan in ODIs: 33 matches, 1,230 runs, avg. 56
- This match will be the first of two India-Pakistan matches in Asia Cup 2018. It could be three, provided both teams make the final.
- If Yuzvendra Chahal gets two wickets against Pakistan, he’ll become India’s third fastest to 50 wickets, after Ajit Agarkar (23 matches) and Kuldeep Yadav (24 matches).
Prediction
It was good to see a competitive match yesterday, and hoping for the same today.
At the moment, though, Pakistan are looking a little more settled. I will go for them to win today, with India to get stronger as the tournament goes on.
Thanks for reading!
