India come up against Pakistan in this high-octane ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Both the teams have played two and won two, respectively. (Scorecard | Live Streaming | Full Coverage)
The Men In Blue, defeated Australia in their first league game of the tournament and followed it up with a comprehensive victory over Afghanistan with skipper Rohit Sharma chalking out a well-made century. As for Babar Azam's men, they did start shaky against the Netherlands but did manage to win that game. In their next fixture, Mohammed Rizwan's ton ensured Pakistan chased down a record score in a World Cup as they defeated Sri Lanka. Come October 14, 2023, Pakistan will be plotting to record their first victory over India in a 50-over World Cup.
Here are some key battles to look foward to at the India vs Pakistan clash:
Rohit Sharma Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi
The battle is one for the ages! The last time Rohit Sharma faced Pakistani speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi, the backdrop was the Asia Cup 2023 where the Indian skipper hit the very first ball over the rope for a six. Sharma became the first ever batter to hit Afridi for a six on the very first ball. Well, one cannot imagine what it will it be when these two face-off at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday.
Virat Kohli Vs Haris Rauf
Another duel that has a history attached to it - Haris Rauf and Virat Kohli, MCG, T20 World Cup 2022. Talking about that six, Rauf recalls, “The way he [Kohli] played in the World Cup, that is his class, we all know the types of shots he plays. And the way he hit those sixes, I don’t think any other player can hit a shot like that off my bowling. If Dinesh Karthik or Hardik Pandya would’ve hit those sixes, I would’ve been hurting but those came off Kohli’s bat and he is a different class altogether.” Rauf and Kohli were seen having a lighter moment ahead of the IND vs PAK game at the Asia Cup last month. But, don't expect any pleasantries to be exchanged as there will hot stakes on the line.
Babar Azam Vs Jasprit Bumrah
The world's greatest batter pitted against argubaly, the world's deadliest swing bowler - Babar Azam and Jasprit Bumrah, will lock horns in Ahmedabad. Babar hasn't been on fire in the two games at the World Cup so far but perhaps he could be saving his best for the 'big one'. However, waiting in his wake, is Bumrah who has been brilliant with the ball and with these two at the crease, it will be grand spectacle for the fans of either sides.
