THE DEADLY DUELS

Within the big war will be small battles that could shape the way the India-Pakistan game pans out. Here’s a look at the duels that will be interesting to watch...

VIRAT KOHLI VS WAHAB RIAZ

The Pakistan left-arm paceman has been struggling to get his rhythm going but he will be up against a batsman who is not in the best of form. Kohli has a poor record in England and Wahab, known to bowl aggressively, will test him. However, the Pakistan bowler is often guilty of getting carried away and Virat would hope he does it again.

ROHIT SHARMA VS MOHD AMIR

The rivalry between the Pakistan left-arm pacer and India opener will be renewed after the Pakistani earned the bragging rights following their encounters in Asia Cup and World T20. In a fiery spell at Asia Cup T20 last year, Amir got rid of Rohit, Rahane and Raina. A month later, he again got rid of the opener in the World T20, although India again won.

MS DHONI VS SHADAB KHAN

The Pakistani leg-spinner is known for generating prodigious turn. He takes wickets and is very economical. His wrong’un is a big challenge for batsmen. It would be interesting to watch the strategy 18-year-old Shadab deploys against India’s most experienced batsman, who is an exceptional player of spin bowling.

UMESH YADAV VS AHMAD SHAHZAD

Whenever Pakistan have got off to a cracking start, it has been courtesy Shehzad’s aggressive batting. He would again be central to skipper Sarfraz Ahmed’s plans in taking on the Indian bowlers. India pacer Umesh will relish the fast Edgbaston wicket and will go full tilt. The Umesh-Shahzad battle will be one to savour.

R ASHWIN VS BABAR AZAM

Consistency is what describes Babar Azam. In his last 11 ODI innings, the 22-year-old has scored five centuries and a half-century. He became the joint fastest to get to 1000 runs. It would be interesting to see what tricks India’s premier off-spinner comes up with to trouble Babar.