Pakistan are all set to play arch-rivals India at Old Trafford in a fixture where tensions always run high.
Everything needs to improve in Pakistan team. Players from the side needs to be psychologically strong to be able to hold their nerve in tense situation.
A captain needs to have an eagle eye.
With chameleon characteristics that can show leadership, adapt and play every minute of the game according to its merits and requirement. No doubt Pakistanis have skills but they have to display it when required.
Another important factor which runs high is Pakistani fielding which has been our persistent weakness, yet no one seem serious to work on it, except accepting the problem without serious approach to work on this important area. Pakistan have stable bowling and marginally improved batting side but fielding is the only sector which if strong compensates any weakness in batting and bowling area during any high pressure match.
The memories of recent India vs Pakistan matches have been bitter-sweet for Indian fans, while Pakistan had got the better of India in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy.
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Pakistan have not beaten India in a World Cup encounter yet and if recent form is anything to go by, Sarfaraz Ahmed’s men will have to step up to avoid another defeat to their arch-rivals.
This contest also brings more weight-age since it is taking place amidst political tensions between the neighboring countries. After Pulwama attack on the Indian para-military troops, there were talks and concerns in the Indian circle that the government might push their national side to boycott the contest which would cost 2 significant points. On the contrary, BCCI and the Indian government decided against it.
Also Read Tension Escalates After Pulwama Attack
However it is easily the most intense rivalry in cricket — every time there is a Pakistan vs India matches, emotions go flying and there is unbridled passion both on the field and off it among fans. Like often, it is again going to be a contest between Pakistan’s lethal pace attack and India’s might battling line.
Talking about bitter rivalries between the national sides from both the countries there are individual rivalries too that fans are excited about.
Mohammad Amir vs Virat Kohli
As world number 1 batter Kohli prepares to face in-form Mohammad Amir, ‘revenge’ might be the word playing on his mind.
The last time India and Pakistan played a one-day international match in an ICC tournament, Amir, who has taken 5 wickets in the two matches he has played so far, had troubled Kohli a fair deal with his swingers and short deliveries and the master batsman had perished for just 5 runs.
It was the final of the 2017 ICC Champions trophy which India had eventually lost. Amir would be looking to stage a repeat of that feat at Old Trafford on June 16, but he would be mindful that Kohli hardly ever repeats his mistakes.
Mohammad Amir vs Rohit Sharma
Sharma has “an extra second when he faces pacers”, say his teammates. But like Kohli, Sharma also has a score to settle when he goes out to bat on Sunday. Mohammad Amir had completely beaten Rohit Sharma in the final of ICC Champions trophy in 2017 and sent him back on the third ball for a duck. It remains to be seen who gets the better of whom this time.
Jasprit Bumrah vs Fakhar Zaman
It’s not been a year since Fakhar faced Bumrah in the 2018 Asia Cup match. With the bowling figure of 10-1-29-2, Bumrah was at his usual best. The young gun could fire with more fury this time. Fakhar has 58 runs in the two matches he has played so far and looks dangerous. But he hasn’t been able to justify his worth at the top of the order. Bumrah would have an edge if it’s more about mind games on the field at Old Trafford.
All eyes will now be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both in a fine form to take on the likes of Pakistan’s favourite son Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz. A thrilling contest is all we can hope for.
