The India-Pakistan match at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday has generated huge interest among fans. The two teams are facing off for the first time since the ICC Champions Trophy Final in June last year. So, tomorrow’s game is sold out, notwithstanding the fact that the minimum ticket price is 150 AED (Rs 3,000 approx). The global craze around this fixture gets on the players’ nerves as well, and makes experience a valuable commodity.
Mohammed Amir vs Rohit Sharma
“He is just a normal bowler, on that given day if he is good, he is good. It is not as if he turns up and blows everyone away,” Rohit tSharma had said before India met Pakistan in the 2016 Asia Cup.
Well, Amir trundled up and dismissed Rohit in that match and then accounted for him in the finals of the Champions Trophy in 2017. Although, he has not been in good wicket-taking form in the recent past, his angle has always troubled Rohit.
Usman Khan Shinwari vs Shikhar Dhawan
The young left-arm seamer was the man of the match in the game against Hong Kong. He accounted for three wickets in one over and impressed one and all with his pace and unnerving accuracy. He has the ability to swing the new ball and Dhawan has struggled against the away swinger in England.
However, he did find form against Hong Kong and has been India’s gun player in limited overs cricket in the past one last year.
Hasan Ali vs MS Dhoni
“The last time I took three wickets in the Champions Trophy final, my favourite was MS Dhoni’s wicket. I am looking forward to bowling against him again,” Hasan Ali said before the tournament.
He has been one of Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker over the past one year and has picked 57 wickets in 25 matches (since 2017) and has been Sarfraz’a go-to man in the middle overs.
Since making his international debut in 2004, the former India captain has been part of this marquee contest 33 times, boasting of an awesome record – an average of 55.90, which is higher than his ODI career average of 51.25, and two centuries. The first of the two was a scintillating 148 off 123 balls in Vizag way back in 2005. It was Dhoni’s first brush with stardom. The second came at Chepauk in December 2012.
India’s X factors are:
1. Openers getting runs, yesterday Shikhar Dhawan scored an agressive 127.
2. With MS Dhoni behind the stumps it becomes easier for the bowlers where to bowl.
3. Debutant Khaleel who has already taken 3 wickets in his 1st odi.
4. Two wrist spinners Chahal & chinaman spinner Kuldeep are in superb form. With the ball gripping a bit it would be easy for them. They have taken 5 wickets in the match against Hong-kong.
TechnoSports-stay UPDATED 🙂
