There are few rivalries in sports that draw the raw emotion and passion from fans the same way as an India Pakistan cricket match does. Add the context of World Cup and the fact Pakistan have never beaten India at the mega event, this is cricket’s peak rivalry nothing else compares.
The two cricketing giants will again lock horns in the T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Stadium, with fans from both nations and beyond holding their breath before the first ball is bowled on Sunday.
Overall Pakistan have the edge in white ball cricket winning 73 games to India’s 55. But in the shortest format of the game India take the edge winning 7 out 8 games played between the two nations including the famous T20 World Cup Final in 2007.
This record is even more daunting for Pakistan in T20 World Cup, having lost all 5 encounters with their arch nemesis.
India will be banking on history as the psychological pressure will be on Pakistan to finally end one of cricket’s most notable streaks. Apart from that Indian team already looks in its best shape and boast some of world’s best talents that saw of England and Australia without breaking a sweat in the warm up games.
Given Pakistan’s current form and strength of both teams this is perhaps the most challenging game for Babar Azam and co. in the history of Indo-Pak games at World Cup.
India will be strong favourities, but so were they before the Champions Trophy Final in 2017, before Pakistan pulled off a ‘Pakistan‘. Since then while Pakistan have failed to capitalize on the momentum they had, Men in Blue have gone from strength to strength.
It is widely been said that India boasts as good as two teams that can compete so their strength in depth in undeniable.
Pakistan have also steadied the ship with inclusion of Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Fakhar Zaman in the team hoping for a win for the ages.
Where to watch:
The ICC T20 World Cup 2021 India vs Pakistan game will be aired live on Star Sports channels – Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD, and DD Sports. The game will also be available on Hotstar app for streaming.
Timing:
India vs Pakistan game begins at 7:30 PM (IST) on Sunday (October 24).
Players to watch out for
Rohit Sharma: Although Rohit Sharma struggled against the Mohammad Amir led pace attack, he banished those demons with a match winning century against Pakistan in the World Cup 2019. Here again he will one of the key players as India look to extend the winning streak against Pakistan to 6-0 in T20 World Cup.
Virat Kohli: Playing in his last T20 World Cup as captain, very few players will be as determined as Virat Kohli to make a mark. His motivation will come from the fact having never won an ICC event, a match winning performance against the arch rivals will surely set the tone right.
Jasprit Bumrah: The pacer bowler earned notoriety in this fixture for dismissing Fakhar Zaman early in the Champions Trophy Final in 2017, only to found out he bowled a no-ball, the rest is history. While Bumrah has impressed since then a big haul against Pakistan will go some way towards redeeming that agonizing loss.
Babar Azam: The star of modern day Pakistan cricket, perhaps the most stylish stroke player out there, Babar Azam would be hoping to become the first Pakistani captain to have a win over India in the World Cup. That aside, his own performance will be a big factor as well. Already seen by some as an icon, an innings to lead his team to a first ever World Cup win over India will elevate him to legendary status.
Shaheen Afridi: It’s funny how Pakistan never seem to run out of devastating left arm fast bowlers. First it was Akram, then Amir, then Wahab and now Shaheen, the youngster entrusted with leading Pakistan’s bowling attack in this tournament. He has shown great promise so far and this occasion will be the perfect for him to announce himself big time. A match winning spell from the pacer will be a major boost for him and his entire nation.
India go into this match full of confidence as always, Pakistan approach this game with hope, knowing their one win away from legendary status. More than a billion people await with bated breath. This is cricket at its emotional best. At the end one team will be celebrating, while one will be devastated.
Can India carry on this remarkable streak? Or will the Green Wall of Pakistan finally thwart the Blue Thunder of India? We will find out shortly.
(Featured image design: Faizan Wani, Taarukk Media)