Under the illuminated skies of the Narendra Modi Stadium, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated battles of the ICC World Cup. It’s the clash of titans, a clash of nations, and a clash of emotions – India vs Pakistan. A rivalry etched in the very fabric of cricket, where history meets destiny, on the 14th of October, 2023.
The Indo-Pak cricket rivalry stands as one of the most historic and electrifying showdowns in world cricket, consistently delivering a spectacle that captures the imagination of fans globally. This rivalry has gifted cricket enthusiasts with countless thrilling encounters over the years.
For seven encounters in the World Cup arena, India has emerged victorious on every occasion, scripting a story of dominance and consistency. But in the world of cricket, where underdogs often defy the odds, Pakistan stands ready to pen a new chapter in this historic rivalry.
Team Preview
India
India has been unstoppable in the ICC World Cup 2023, displaying formidable form and dominance in the early stages of the tournament. With two convincing wins under their belt, they currently stand second in the points table, bolstered by a remarkable.
In their opening match, India’s batting prowess was on full display as they secured a comfortable victory over Australia within 42 overs, with the help of a historic partnership between Kohli and Rahul.
Their second encounter against Afghanistan was no less impressive. Under the astute leadership of Captain Rohit Sharma, India swiftly chased down the target within 35 overs, largely thanks to Sharma’s power-packed century.
As they gear up for the epic showdown against arch-rivals Pakistan, India is set to maintain the momentum that has carried them this far. Their batting lineup, led by the likes of Sharma, Rahul, and Kohli, is brimming with confidence and will play a pivotal role in the upcoming clash.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC World Cup 2023 has been really impressive, and they are in a strong position, standing third in the points table. In their tournament opener against the Netherlands, They secured a commanding victory with an 81-run margin due to the superb performance of their pacers in the latter stages of the match.
In their second match against Sri Lanka, Pakistan embarked on a historic run chase, successfully chasing down the highest target ever in World Cup history, a monumental 345 runs. This feat was achieved thanks to the classy centuries scored by the talented Abdullah Shafique and the heroic Mohammad Rizwan.
As Pakistan prepares to face their arch-rivals India, they carry with them the weight of a 31-year-old streak that they are determined to break. This team is fueled by the desire to make history and secure their first victory over India in the World Cup arena.
Probable Playing XI
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Pakistan: Abdulla Shafique, Imam Ul Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(wk), Saud Shakeel, Ifthikar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf
Pitch Report
The pitch at Ahmedabad has traditionally been a batting paradise, offering a true and consistent bounce. Batsmen can expect the ball to come onto the bat nicely, allowing for fluent stroke play. The pitch tends to favour high scores, making it a delight for the stroke-makers.
However, this pitch is not without its surprises. As the game progresses, spinners come into play, and the wicket can start to assist spin, making it a challenge for the batsmen to find their rhythm against quality spin bowling.
Fast bowlers can also find some assistance with the new ball, especially under lights, where there can be a hint of movement and swing. Overall, the pitch is expected to be a well-balanced one, offering something for everyone.
- Total Matches Played – 27
- Matches Won Batting First – 14
- Matches Won Batting Second – 13
- Average First Innings Score – 243
- Average Runs Per Over – 5.01
Players To Watch Out For
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, the Indian cricketing maestro, is indeed a player to watch out for in the upcoming clash. His remarkable form in the tournament so far, with two consecutive fifties against Australia and Afghanistan, underscores his value to the team.
When it comes to facing Pakistan, Virat Kohli’s record is nothing short of outstanding. His 662 runs against Pakistan in ODIs, at an average of 55 and a strike rate of 101, speak volumes about his dominance against them. His most memorable knock was 183 in the Asia Cup 2012 which etched in the minds of cricket fans as a testament to his brilliance.
Kohli’s consistency in delivering in high-stakes clashes makes him India’s linchpin in battles against their arch-rivals. With an average of over 100 against Pakistan in ICC events, he exemplifies what it means to consistently rise to the occasion. Once again, all eyes will be on Kohli to lead the charge, as he carries the hopes and dreams of a billion fans.
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep’s ability to break partnerships and pick up crucial wickets is an asset that India heavily relies on. His numbers against Pakistan are indeed impressive, with 10 wickets in just 5 matches at an economical rate of 3.86. His recent five-wicket haul against Pakistan showcases his mastery over their batting order.
His wrist spin, which has troubled many top-order batsmen, including Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam, will be of paramount importance in stopping the in-form Pakistani batting lineup. Kuldeep’s ability to deceive batsmen and extract turn from the pitch can be a game-changer,
As the teams gear up for the showdown, Kuldeep Yadav’s role as the strike spinner will be instrumental in India’s quest for victory. His performances will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, as he has the potential to turn the tide in favour of the Indian team and play a pivotal role in this historic cricketing rivalry.
Babar Azam
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain and the face of modern cricket for his nation, is another key player in this upcoming clash. While he might not have found his rhythm in the tournament’s early matches, his class and brilliance are widely acknowledged. He has proven time and again that he is one of the most reliable batsmen in the limited-overs format.
Babar’s consistency in ODIs post the 2019 World Cup is truly remarkable, amassing 2211 runs at an impressive average of 63 and a solid strike rate of 93. His performance in the 2019 World Cup, where he scored 474 runs in 8 innings, showcased his ability to excel on the biggest stage.
As Pakistan’s captain, this is a pivotal moment for Babar Azam to put his recent form aside and embrace the opportunity to shine against India in this high-stakes encounter. The India-Pakistan clash is a grand occasion, and leading his team to victory in this match would not only be a personal redemption for Babar but also a moment of pride for Pakistan.
Shaheen Afridi
Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate significant pace, the Falcon has become a spearhead of the Pakistani bowling attack. While his form in the current World Cup may not be at its peak, his ability to generate movement and create pressure makes him a potent threat.
Afridi’s ability to trouble the Indian top order is well-documented. His recent 4-wicket haul against India in a previous encounter, where he dismissed the likes of Kohli, Rohit, and Pandya, is a testament to his capability to dismantle the Indian batting lineup.
Notably, Afridi was the Man of the Match in Pakistan’s only victory against India in the T20 World Cup. It will be interesting to see if he can replicate those heroics in the ODI World Cup as well. He has the perfect opportunity to once again showcase his ability to strike early blows and tilt the balance in favour of his team in this marquee fixture.
IND vs PAK Dream11 Team for Match 12 of 2023 WC
Note: This is not our final Dream11 Team as we are not aware of the Toss Result/Final Playing XI of both teams at this moment.
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