Hindustan Times (Delhi)

In win-win game

NUMBERED CYBERBUZZ

-

As India and Pakistan gear up for another big showdown, a look at the battles that could prove decisive

VIRAT KOHLI After a brilliant Test series in Australia, his sudden loss of form in ODIs has caused worry. India need their main match-winner to move into top gear in this needle clash.

MOHAMMAD IRFAN

His height and the disconcert­ing bounce the Pakistan left-arm pacer can generate has been the focus in both camps. How Indian top-order batsmen tackle him will be the key. MISBAH-UL-HAQ Pakistan’s seasoned captain has been the one consistent batsman, repeatedly rescuing the team from tough situations. SHAHID AFRIDI The destroyer of bowling attacks is no longer the old force but is still dangerous, especially with his legspin and fielding. WAHAB RIAZ

A master of reverse swing, he was in great form in the 2011 semifinal against India but ended up on the losing side.

to have a settled pace bowling unit, and it shows. India have conceded 33.53 runs per wicket against Pakistan’s 42.43. 5 5 4 1 5 50 - 3 Last 5 72

have been taken in over 3600 One-day Internatio­nal matches played so far. England’s Steve Finn joined the club on Saturday when he dismissed Brad Haddin, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Johnson of Australia. @derekpring­le: And people thought Alastair Cook was in bad nick, Morgan goes cheaply. Derek Pringle, Ex-England player

@coreyander­son78: Awesome win today by the boys. Great start to the World Cup campaign #backthebla­ckcaps!

Corey Anderson, NZ all-rounder

 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ?? A lot will depend on Virat Kohli when India take on Pakistan in their World Cup opener.
AFP PHOTO
A lot will depend on Virat Kohli when India take on Pakistan in their World Cup opener. AFP PHOTO

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from India