On song Pakistan are perilous opponents, India will be wary

So, after two-and-a-half weeks of international cricket, some rain but plenty of great cricket and several surprises, we are all braced for a huge final – India versus Pakistan.

The ICC’s commercial department have probably been celebrating with their rights partners since Thursday because this is the organiser’s dream clash with the possibility of a TV audience well in excess of one billion.

While there may be anti-climax for the England’s fans, there will be a frenzied atmosphere inside The Oval on Sunday. It should be a brilliant day for spectators. I certainly did not predict this final before the tournament, but no one can claim they don’t deserve to be there.

Both teams have played some exceptional cricket, adapted really well to conditions, and have shown enormous heart and spirit along the way, both bouncing back from heavy defeats.

India will be very confident going into the game and it deserves to be: It has been the best team in the tournament playing consistently high-class cricket.

All departments within the team are functioning at their best. Their batting has been peerless. Their bowling varied and penetrative. Their fielding alert and strong. But I know India will also be wary. It may have thrashed Pakistan in its opening game of the tournament, but it would have also hoped it was its last game against its arch-rival.

The problem about playing Pakistan is that when all things click and the team gels in unison, it can become an overpowering force – as a very strong England team found out this week.

Pakistan is a perilous opponent when on song and India knows that it can’t sit back on past victories or ICC rankings. It needs to rise to the occasion and be at its very best. While India’s strength lies in its batting, especially its fantastic top four, Pakistan’s strength is its superb bowling attack.