India’s Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma cheer during the Pakistan v India Asia Cup match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE, on September 21. Photo: REUTERS
COLOMBO:
The cricket battlefield has heated up in Colombo, the much-anticipated Pakistan vs India clash in the ICC T20 World Cup will take place on Sunday. Both teams have rolled up their sleeves, ready for a fierce contest. In favorable conditions, both sides are expected to rely heavily on their spinners.
However, dark clouds continue to hover over Colombo, with rain already forecast for Sunday.
According to details, a clash between these traditional rivals is always the highlight of any tournament. This time, after Pakistan’s initial threat to boycott due to India’s negative attitude, and their eventual agreement to play following justice for Bangladesh, anticipation for the match has grown even higher.
The match will be a day-night encounter at R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. Pakistan, after a tough win against the Netherlands, defeated the USA, while India triumphed over both the USA and Namibia. In the Asia Cup, the “Men in Blue” defeated Pakistan in all three encounters, but the “Green Shirts” are determined to deliver a strong performance this time.
The team that wins on Sunday will progress to the Super 8, while the losing side will have another chance in their final group match.
The pitch conditions appear favorable for spin bowling. Pakistan’s uniquely styled spinner Usman Tariq has troubled the Indian batters, and he’ll be supported by Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, and Saim Ayub in the spin department. The pace attack will be led by Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf though Faheem wasn’t given the ball in the previous match, and Shaheen has yet to return to full form. Stopping India’s aggressive batters from scoring heavily during the powerplay will be crucial.
Aggressive opener Abhishek Sharma, recovering from a stomach illness, has joined the Indian squad in Colombo, though it’s undecided whether he’ll play. Indian batters Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav are in fine touch, while Hardik Pandya has established himself as a reliable all-rounder.
Pakistan’s batting will depend on an aggressive start from Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub. Salman Ali Agha, batting at one-down, will be expected to contribute significantly. Babar Azam remains the team’s backbone he’ll need to balance wicket preservation with maintaining a healthy scoring rate. All-rounders Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf have proved their worth with the bat, though Usman Khan, who was dismissed for zero in both previous matches, has been a disappointment.
For India, deciphering the spin of Varun Chakravarthy will be a challenge for Pakistani batters, while Axar Patel also poses a threat with his spin.
On this high-voltage occasion, security is at its highest level. Armed guards accompany both teams everywhere — from their hotels and practice sessions to their match-day movements. The match will begin at 7 p.m., with stadium gates opening at 3 p.m. Fans have been advised to arrive at least four hours before the start.
The blockbuster contest has given a major boost to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, with thousands of fans from both countries already in Colombo. All tickets have been sold, and black-market sales continue. With dark clouds still looming and rain forecast for Sunday, fans are praying for clear skies. Both teams held intense practice sessions on Saturday.
For the record, Pakistan and India have faced each other 16 times in T20 Internationals India has won 12, Pakistan 3, and the famous 2007 “bowl-out” match ended in a tie.
