India Vs Pakistan: Clash of the titans

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Rohit S

26 September, 2009

On September 26, India take on Pakistan in the Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy. The latter defeated West Indies in its previous encounter and a win against India would take them through to the semi finals.

TODAY, ON September 26, India take on Pakistan in the Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy. India would be playing its first game in the tournament whereas Pakistan would be in its second. Pakistan defeated West Indies in its previous encounter and a win against India would take them through to the semi finals.

Pakistan captain, Younis Khan would be playing in this match regardless of a hairline fracture on his finger. It is believed that Imran Nazir will make way for him and Shoaib Malik could open the innings with Kamran Akmal. Pakistan has a balanced pace attack compromising of Umar Gul, Mohammad Aamer and Rana Naved Ul Hasan. If Mohammad Asif is included in the team, Naved would have to make way for him. Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal would relish bowling here and are capable of turning things in their favour.

On the other hand, India is dealing with one blow after the other ahead of the competition. After Virendra Sehwag and Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh has been ruled out with a fractured finger. Yuvraj who can be the most dangerous batsmen in the middle overs, can be equally destructive in the end. India will miss all the three match winners in the champions trophy.

Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid can provide India the stability and inspiration it needs along with their experience. Tendulkar is in a top form and Dravid is rock solid in the middle order. India needs both of its most experienced players to play an important role in the match.

Another positive thing is that Gautam Gambhir has recovered from the groin strain and India expects a good start from him in today's match, which could be very crucial. Dinesh Karthik has to bat well in the middle and could be the man to watch in a high pressure game. Dhoni and Yusuf are the two key batsmen who can take maximum advantage of the batting power plays and would be depended on for a strong score.

The pitches at the Centurion are very different from the surfaces of the Wanderers. The pitch will be a bit slower with a fair amount of assistance to the spinners in the second half with the odd ball capable to keep low. Harbhajan can play an important role in the match as he would be the only specialised spinner. The three pacemen and Harbhajan with Yusuf Pathan chipping in with his off spin can be quite handy for the Indians. Ishant Sharma's form is a concern for the team, but the bowler has the ability to come in form when needed. Nehra would be the key bowler as he can swing the ball both ways and is in a good form, which is a good sign for Team India.

Pakistan side is very unpredictable and its batting can be vulnerable against the moving ball, as seen in their match against the West Indies. They would depend much on their skipper Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and the talented Umar Akmal.

It is believed that the toss would also play an important role in today's match and the team winning the toss would love to bat first and put up a huge score as batting second would not be that easy. A must watch match at 6 pm. All the best team India!

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COMMENTS (3)

Rohit S

Thanks Ali for pointing out the error...It was a mistake from my side...I have mailed the editor to rectify the same..thanks again..

pakistan is my favourite team & mini world cup is my favourite cup

The intro says "On September 26, India take on Pakistan in the Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy. The latter was beaten by West Indies in its previous..." The latter was beaten by West Indies.. ?? Pakistan won against the West Indies.