INDO – PAK T20 WC – What Could go wrong!!!

Indo-Pak cricket rivalry has reached new heights after explosive comments from new BCCI boss Roger Binny.

Every Indian fan is waiting for October 23 match. And why not. Though I would place a 50-50 chance for each team to win but being an Indian I would always put my money on India.

The last Asia Cup and T20 WC 2020 proved that the beta is upsetting the baap quite a few times and in this big Indo-Pak match what could go wrong.

TOSS

Toss would be crucial and it is no secret that India flourishes while chasing, but I would rather agree than disagree with Saqlain Mushtaq – the Pak Head Coach – that a world class team should be able to win under any circumstance.

Rohit-Rahul Front

Let us take a scenario when India bats first. Rohit-Rahul opening pair must cross the 6-over mark unseparated to give Virat-SKY-Pant (or Hardik) enough to fire on all cylinders. The Australian grounds are big and lifting or pulling for sixes would require caution – Rohit’s fondness for the pull could act as a bait and can ensue downfall.

The Afridi Factor

Shaheen Afridi – I saw him bowling against Afghanistan in a practice match - he has a stock ball which comes sharply swinging in towards right hand batsman. He is dangerous in his 4 overs and India could do well to stave him off. The rest - Rauf, Shadab are predictable and so is Wasim.

The 19th Over Scare

And now our Achilles Heel – bowling. A lot depends on how Bhuvi-Shami combine shape themselves against Md. Rizwan and Babar Azam. Rizwan is more flamboyant of the two and though none of our seamers have the pace of a Wood (Mark) or a Starc (Mitchell) they can always bowl accurately and try not to become one of these two premier fast bowlers. Much would depend on their ability to place the balls stump to stump sans heroics. Hardik’s (Pandya) 4 overs would be the key as he wanders away and leaks valuable runs often.

So Guys …

I am not putting any money on the spinners, though any belligerent spell would help spell a doom on the Paks.

Only time will tell.

Summing up, India’s gameplan would be cut out – not too many lofted shots beyond power play (we don’t have Jos Butler, Tim David, or Liam Livingstone!) and the bowlers hurling down impeccable lengths and accurate Yorkers on the stumps.

And of course, the fielding must be as sprightly as ever!!

All the best Team India and may the better team win.