New Delhi: India won the previous clash against Pakistan, but as they say, the conditions and the situation will be different. With a lot of injuries and changes, there will be different playing XIs on the field in Dubai. The teams still look equal on paper and it is about who can hold the nerves during the pressure and obviously avoid cramps.
India scored 192 against Hong Kong and Pakistan also scored a similar 193. Meanwhile, Hong Kong was able to score 152/5 against India and just 38 against Pakistan. Pakistan surely has a strong bowling lineup even though they missed Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim due to injuries.
India’s squad analysis
India looks dominating with Virat coming back in form, Suryakumar Yadav hitting big and Hardik Pandya coming up as one of the best all-rounders currently. With Bhuvneshwar Kumar leading the bowling attack, India has a high chance to qualify for the finals.
However, there are a few things which might concern India. Ravindra Jadeja’s injury is a big blow to the side, as he was contributing in all three departments. He was one of the main contributors in the chase against Pakistan and the left-handedness on number 4 just took the opposition off guard. Another thing to worry about is Avesh Khan and Arshdeep going for runs. They have the wicket-taking ability but containing runs is important in crucial situations. Against Hong Kong, they leaked 97 runs in their eight overs taking a wicket each.
Pakistan’s squad analysis
Mohammad Rizwan is the key batter for Pakistan and he is delivering time and again. Oppositions need to have plans to get him out, otherwise, he might drive the game away from you. With in-form Naseem Shah leading the pace attack and Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz delivering with spin, Pakistan has fewer concerns in the bowling department. Nawaz has picked six wickets in two games while Shadab and Naseem have four each.
The only thing that is a big concern for the team right now is Babar Azam not being able to perform in the first two games. 10(9) in the first game and just 9(8) in the second may put some pressure on the batter. Nonetheless, he is still the number 1 T20I batter with the most destructive abilities. Shahnawaz Dahani’s injury will also affect the team as they would need someone to bowl well along with Naseem and Harris Rauf.
Conclusion
India needs to counter the Naseem Shah threat while delivering with the ball as they did in the first game. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul need to open well against Naseem and Harris as India can not just depend on the middle order where Jadeja is also missing. Meanwhile, the short ball has been a weakness for Pakistan in the first game and Bhuvaneshwar and Pandya will look to exploit it. It will be a thrilling ride for the fans again.
