All the build-up, some necessary and some unnecessary, for the India vs Pakistan match will finally end when the two teams lock horns at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday. Keeping the controversies aside, Pakistan have a slight advantage in that all their matches will be played in Sri Lanka. They have already played two games in Colombo (although at SSC), while India would need to tinker with their winning combination since the conditions are totally different in the two countries.
Abhishek-Kuldeep in; Samson-Arshdeep out
Well, according to the Indian Express, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side will be making two changes from their last win over Namibia in New Delhi. One is expected, the other is tactical. Well, Abhishek Sharma is set to walk back into the team after missing the last game due to a stomach infection. Sanju Samson opened with Ishan Kishan in Abhishek’s place and was out after hitting a couple of boundaries.
Now, Abhishek will feature and eye his first T20 World Cup runs after going out for a golden duck in India’s tournament opener against the USA. He trained with the team on Saturday, India’s only training session in Colombo. Abhishek seemed in fine touch, hitting his favourite lofted strokes. He will take confidence from his striking innings against Pakistan at the Asia Cup games last year.
Apart from this, India are planning to bring in Kuldeep Yadav. However, he won’t be coming in place of Rinku Singh but Arshdeep Singh, who would’ve been a great threat anyway. Pakistani batters don’t have an exceptional record against left-arm pacers. Arshdeep could’ve exploited it, but India are banking on Kuldeep’s spin, as Colombo also offers slowness of the deck.
Kuldeep Yadav vs Pakistan (Across Formats)
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Wickets | 23 |
| Bowling Average | 12.56 |
| Strike Rate | 17.2 |
| 4-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
Pace vs Spin at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
| Bowling Type | Matches | Wickets | Average | SR | Dot % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pace | 15 | 81 | 23.09 | 18.2 | 35.8 |
| Spin | 15 | 92 | 20.97 | 19.7 | 36.1 |
Cricket
IND vs PAK: Toothless Pakistan surrender to India's might as Suryakumar Yadav & co extend streak to 8-1
