India vs Pakistan: Match preview, pitch report and TV listing
What's the story
Two-time champions India are all set to take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the match number 22 of the World Cup 2019 at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday. While India are unbeaten in the tournament so far, Pakistan have managed just a win in four matches so far. This battle is set to be extremely intense, and we present the preview and other details.
Last play
India's match washed out, Pakistan fail against Australia
India's match against New Zealand was washed out as these two teams shared a point each. On the other hand, Pakistan lost to Australia by 41 runs and they lost two crucial points for it. India enter as clear favorites and are expected to overcome Men In Green. However, Pakistan would look upto Mohammad Amir to tackle India's top order.
Team news
Virat Kohli, Mohammad Amir to watch out for
As for the players, skipper Virat Kohli is undoubtedly the first man to watch out for. He has the tendency to perform in big matches. Among others, India's pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah would also be in the spotlight, owing to their lethal form. As for Pakistan, opener Imam-ul-Haq has been in good form, while Mohammad Amir's pace could become India's nightmare.
Head-to-head
Pakistan have the edge historically, India are a better side
Both the teams have clashed on six occasions in the World Cup, with India winning all the games to date. A total of five ODIs have been played between the sides in England, with India winning three, while Pakistan have pocketed two. Overall, both the teams have come across in 130 ODIs, with India winning 54 times, while Pakistan have scripted 73 wins.
Pitch report
A low-scoring track awaits at Old Trafford
With a 60% chance of rain, we expect a truncated game today. Further, the wicket of this venue doesn't assist batsmen. It has generally been a low-scoring one, with an average score of around 220-230. Thus, the teams are likely to move in with a bowling dominated squad. If there is rain, the team winning the toss would like to bowl first.
Predicted XI
Here are the predicted XI for this big battle
India: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (captain), Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah. Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper & captain), Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir.
Match details
When, where and how to watch?
Match: India vs Pakistan Venue: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester Time: 3:00 PM IST Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, 2, Select 1 and other regional languages channels of Star Sports. Where to watch (Online): Hotstar