TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: After all the hue and cry, the blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan is set to go ahead as scheduled, weather permitting, on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The slowness of the track could turn it into a battle of spinners between the two arch-rivals.TimesofIndia.com looks at the key factors where the match could be decided.
Abhishek vs ShaheenPakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has not looked at his best in this T20 World Cup. He had an off day against the USA, but the left-arm pacer cannot be ruled out to deliver. His powerplay battle with Abhishek Sharma could determine the direction in which the match tilts.Abhishek and Shaheen went after each other during the Asia Cup, with the Indian opener taking the Pakistan speedster to the cleaners, including a first-ball six. With Abhishek returning after illness, it will be interesting to see how he goes about his business. Former Pakistan pacer Mohammed Amir, on the show ‘Haarna Mana Hai’, called him a slogger, while Umar Gul, on The Dug Out, said Pakistan’s pacers should cramp him for room and target his right shoulder with a bouncer.Pakistani spinners vs Dube
Pakistan’s Usman Tariq during a practice session ahead of T20 World Cup match against India at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. (PTI)
On Friday, Pakistan had an extensive net session, with all their spinners bowling extended spells. Abrar Ahmad and Shadab Khan bowled in tandem to left-handed batters Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, while Usman Tariq and Mohammad Nawaz operated against Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan and Agha Salman, before later bowling to Shaheen Shah Afridi in the evening. Saim Ayub also rolled his arm over after completing his batting drills.Pakistan are set 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-prong spin attack could put them in a tangle.For India, the onus will be on Shivam Dube, whose primary role in the line-up is to dismantle spinners in the middle overs. So far, he has played that role to perfection. The contest between Dube and Pakistan’s spinners promises to be a fascinating one.The playing XI dilemma
Abhishek Sharma is expected to slot into India’s playing XI in place of Sanju Samson.
The Colombo pitch and weather conditions might force India to make a couple of changes to their playing XI. Opener Abhishek Sharma is, in all likelihood, set to replace Sanju Samson. It will also be interesting to see whether India persist with the same bowling attack or consider adding Kuldeep Yadav. The wrist-spinner has an excellent record against Pakistan, with eight wickets in three games, all during the Asia Cup.However, that would mean dropping either Rinku Singh, which would thin India’s batting depth, or Arshdeep Singh, India’s leading wicket-taker in this format. Another option could be playing 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 truncated match, the scenario could change for both sides, with pacers likely to have a greater say.The rain prediction
Golden hue covers the skyline during sunset at 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 a washout, with rain and thunderstorms forecast in Colombo. Hourly predictions for Sunday indicate scattered thunderstorms, with the probability of rain rising to around 55 to 60 percent during the afternoon and evening.
