Team India is set to face arch-rivals Pakistan in the World Cup at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. The IND vs PAK clash will be played on October 14 before the home side faces the Australians in their opening encounter. Meanwhile, in this article we will talk about the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match and some key points which make the home as the favorites for the upcoming match.
India’s Quality Batting-order
Team India is renowned to have an excellent top-order. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have been in top-notch form. On the other hand, the wicket at the Narendra Modi Stadium is not so friendly for the bowlers as the new ball comes nicely onto the bat with minimum swing to offer.
On the other hand, the Pakistani bowling line-up especially the spinners have not been in their best in the recent past. Apart from that, the Men in Green are also missing their express pacer Naseem Shah who completes the deadly trio including Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.
India’s good record at Narendra Modi Stadium
Team India has maintained a good record at venue in Ahmedabad. Previously known as Motera stadium, the Men in Blue have won all three games at the venue since it has been renovated as the World’s biggest stadium. Indian opener Shubman Gill would want to continue his sizzling form at the venue. To note, the right-handed batter smashed his maiden double-hundred against New Zealand at the same venue. The likes of Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav have also been amongst the runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Lack of form for Pakistani batters
Pakistani openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq have been short of runs lately. Fakhar in particular has not been able to get going for a decent amount of time now. Skipper Babar Azam also failed to get going against the Netherlands on a batting-friendly pitch in Hyderabad.
On the other hand, the Indian bowling line-up including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj have been in supreme touch with the new ball. The Men in Blue also bundled out Pakistan for just 128 runs in their last meeting in Asia Cup. There will be no respite for the Pakistani batters in the middle-overs as they will face Kuldeep with the old ball. To note, the left-arm spinner completed a five-wicket haul against the Men in Green in the last match and will be looking to replicate his performance in the marquee event.
Editors pick
