How will India play against Pakistan?
Abhishek vs ShaheenPakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has not looked his best in this T20 World Cup. He had an off day against the USA, but a pacemaker in his left arm cannot be ruled out. His power battle with Abhishek Sharma could determine the direction in which the match will tilt.Abhishek and Shaheen went back-to-back during the Asia Cup, with the Indian opener taking the Pakistan fast bowler to the cleaners, including a first-ball six. As Abhishek is coming back from his illness, it will be interesting to see how he goes about his business. Former Pakistan pacer Mohammed Amir called him a slogger on ‘Haarna Mana Hai’ while Umar Gul said on The Dug Out that Pakistan pacers should squeeze his space and target his right shoulder with the bouncer.Pakistan spinners vs Dube
Pakistan’s Usman Tariq during practice ahead of the T20 World Cup match against India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. (PTI)
Pakistan had an extensive net session on Friday, with all their spinners playing extended spells. Abrar Ahmad and Shadab Khan bowled in tandem with left-arm batsman Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman while Usman Tariq and Mohammad Nawaz operated against Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan and Agha Salman before Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled in the evening. Saim Ayub also rolled his arm after completing batting practice.Pakistan is going to field Abrar, Tariq, Nawaz, Shadab and Ayub against India. Former Pakistan spinner Imad Wasim has warned India that if they go all guns blazing, Pakistan’s five-pronged attack could bog them down.For India, the onus will be on Shivam Dube, whose primary role in the lineup is to dismantle the spinners in the middle overs. So far, he has performed this role very well. The contest between Dube and the Pakistan spinners promises to be fascinating.Playing Dilemma XI
Abhishek Sharma is expected to be included in the Indian playing XI in place of Sanju Samson.
The pitch in Colombo and the weather conditions may force India to make a few changes in their playing XI. Opener Abhishek Sharma is likely to replace Sanju Samson. It will also be interesting to see if India stick with the same bowling attack or consider adding Kuldeep Yadav. The wrist-spinner has an excellent record against Pakistan, with eight wickets in three matches, all during the Asia Cup.However, that would mean dropping either Rinka Singh, who would thin India’s batting depth, or Arshdeep Singh, India’s leading wicket-taker in the format. Another option could be to play Washington Sundar at No.8 in place of Rinku Singh, which would add variety while keeping the extra batting cushion intact.With rain around the corner and the possibility of a shortened match, the scenario could change for both sides, with the pacers likely to have a bigger say.Rain forecast
A golden hue blankets the skyline at sunset at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (PTI)
The much-anticipated T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan on February 15 is under threat of waterlogging, with rain and thunderstorms forecast in Colombo. The hourly forecast for Sunday calls for scattered thunderstorms, with the chance of rain rising to 55 to 60 percent during the afternoon and evening.