20-20 World Cup: India vs Pakistan – Preview, Playing XI, Live Streaming Details, Weather Report and Updates

 Preview:

In the much-anticipated clash of the 20-20 World Cup, India will face Pakistan on October 24. The former won both their warm-up games against England and New Zealand. India thus enters this contest with winning momentum by their side. The team is considered as one of the strongest contenders of the tournament and will be all raring to make their impact.

Though the team recently lost the T20I series against Sri Lanka, it is to be noted that an alternative team had toured the nation. Before that, the Virat Kohli-led side had dominated the proceedings against England at home. The team has some extremely talented T20 players who can pose threats to the strongest of the oppositions.

Most of the players who are a part of this mega event have featured in the IPL and come with good form by their side. Opener KL Rahul exuded his sheer flair in the IPL by chipping in huge runs. He continued his good run with the willow in the practice games as well. The team’s top order is well settled with the likes of Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

The middle-order too has some impactful names with the presence of Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Rishabh Pant. Ravindra Jadeja too has been in spectacular form and possesses the ability to change the fortunes of the game upside down.

India’s bowling unit is also threatening enough. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the fast bowling unit. Whereas Ravi Ashwin, Rahul Chahar, and Varun Chakravarthy strengthen the team’s spin attack. The team has a dominating record in world events against the Men in Green and will aim to continue the dominance.

Pakistan, on the other hand, won their first practice game against West Indies but couldn’t carry the momentum further against South Africa. The team will rely heavily on their openers- Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. Both of them have enjoyed some good time with the willow recently and will aim to capitalize on that form. 

Their middle-order, however, remains an area of worry for them. Fakhar Zaman has looked in good touch lately. Whereas Mohammad Hafeez’s scoring rate might haunt the team. Their middle order will have to stand tall to hold the fort of the side which in turn will take a lot of pressure off from the openers.

From their spin department, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan will have crucial roles to play. Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf are the key names that will take the mantle of fast bowling.

Pakistan has already announced their 12 man squad for the clash against India. The team has a good mix of experience and talent. Heading into this match, the Babar Azam-led side will aim to change the scripts and dominate India.

Pitch and Conditions:

The pitch of the Dubai International Stadium is expected to assist the batters. Recently, chasing teams have enjoyed a good time on this surface.

Weather Report:

The weather is expected to remain humid. The sky will be clear as there are no chances of rain.

Playing Combinations for IND vs PAK:

India

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (C), Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar/Varun Chakravarthy

Pakistan

Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Nawaz/Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

Head-to-Head

Overall

Matches- 8, India – 6, Pakistan – 1, Tied- 1

In T20 World Cups

Matches- 5, India – 4, Pakistan – 0, Tied – 1 ( India won the Super 12s)

IND vs PAK Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 7:30 PM IST

TV – Star Sports Network

Live Streaming – Disney+Hotstar