THE FACEOFFS

An India-Pakistan match is the highlight of any tournament and it’s no different this time around. A look at the key battles that will define the match:

MOHAMMAD AMIR v ROHIT SHARMA

While the India captain is a run-machine in limitedovers format, Sharma’s record against Amir is dismal. In the four games (ODI and T20I) against Pak, Sharma has been dismissed thrice by Amir, including twice on a duck. His highest (91) came in group game of 2017 Champions Trophy.

FAKHAR ZAMAN v BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR

While the southpaw has been enjoying an electrifying form of late, Kumar’s ability to move the ball might cause Zaman a few problems. His only match against India is the Champions Trophy final where his terrific ton was difference between the two sides.

IMAMULHAQ v JASPRIT BUMRAH

While the India pacer is one of the best ‘death bowlers’, he’s equally effective at the start. In 23 of the 37 games, when he has opened the bowling, he’s picked 16 wickets inside the first 10 overs. His duel with Haq, who has four tons in nine ODIs, will be interesting.

SARFRAZ AHMED v KULDEEP YADAV

With 48 wickets in just 23 games, Yadav has been India’s trump card of late. The nasty wrong-un has often resulted in batsmen gifting away wickets. Ahmed will be wary of the chinaman’s threat since he’ll be expected to build on the middle order.

HASAN ALI v SHIKHAR DHAWAN

Although Dhawan’s form has dipped a bit of late, Pakistan will be well aware of the southpaw’s prowess. The main concern with Dhawan often is that he fails to build on his starts and Ali might be tasked with dismissing the swashbuckling opener as soon as possible.