Infamous partition of 1947 bore pains, miseries, cries, sighs, sobs, sorrows and separation to innocent masses of the subcontinent. This split left some appallingly ugly scars on the canvas of our reminiscences, but the only blessing in disguise from the eventful enterprise of India’s liberation from the British imperialism, is probably the creation of two separate Indo-Pak cricket teams. The two nuke giants of South Asia enjoy media hype and limelight for acrimoniously strained relations and hostile stances at political fronts. But, cricket is something that might be a great source to de-escalate surging tensions between the two neighbouring states. Every cricket enthusiast will definitely love to see the resumption of bilateral cricket ties between the two countries, because the intense rivalry on and off the cricket field makes Indo-Pak encounters spicy, thrilling and entertaining. The two sides are known for producing suspense thrillers and nail bitters. Indo-Pak clashes redefine rivalry as if Nehru and Jinnah are about to lock horns for two nation theory on a turf.
With champions trophy carnival underway in Pakistan and UAE, India and Pakistan are making optimum fine-tuning of their preparations to cement their respective semifinal berths. Pakistan has already conceded a loss to black caps in the opening encounter of the tournament, while as India has comprehensively beaten Bangladesh. Pakistan carries the trauma and burden of three consecutive defeats to New Zealand in their own den. Last three weeks or so have been vehemently turbulent and stormy for them. Entire Pakistan cricket is under the line of fire. Selection committee and management is facing the excruciating public backlash for irrational and biased selection. Former cricketers, pundits and analysts of the game, TV anchors and journalists are busy in taking a jibe at them. Three losses to New Zealand has annoyed the frenzied fans who were optimistic enough of a good show from their favourite stars. But, the blackcaps pulverized and hammered the green shirts mercilessly. Pakistan’s chances to win a place in the knock out stage looks bleak and eclipsed. They must be carrying a fair amount of extra pressure in today’s match at Dubai international stadium. Injuries to Saim Ayoob and Fakhar Zaman has added salt to their injuries. Pakistan side on paper looks a bit fragile and shaky.
Imaamul Haq is sure to open with Babar against India in the high voltage match, but hasn’t enough batting practice at back. He often falls prey to short pitch bouncers, and Indian pacers might hit the deck hard to unnerve him with the nasty stuff. Though Babar Azam was amongst runs against New Zealand, but his strike rate is a cause of concern for Pakistan. He has been rusty and off colour for quite sometime, given his class, calibre and stats. He is falling prey to concentration lapses after good starts, and has been failing miserably to convert starts into big scores.
But, he is a great talent, and can single handedly turn the tables against India, if he regains form. Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha have already scored centuries against South Africa in the pursuit of a record run chase, they are in a good touch, must carry the momentum to repeat their cautious aggression. Both the batters play spin nicely. Saud Shakeel might be replaced by Kamran Ghulam who is definitely a better choice. He has strokes in his kitty, but will he be able to absorb the pressure in the big encounter, will make a difference. Pakistan is bereft of a formidable lower middle order. Unlike India, it has a dearth of all-rounders.
Hardik Pandiya, Axar Patel, Ravinder Jadeja and Washington Sundar give India a big edge over Pakistan. Though Khushdil Shah exhibited heroics against Newzealand on 19 February in national stadium Karachi, but Pak side is devoid of substantial all-rounder who could play cameos at right time. Pakistan completely relies on its fast bowlers. Shaheen, Naseem and Haris Rouf are really quick and lethal. Shaheen has already jolted India in the past. He will be the key for Pakistan. If he scalps a couple of wickets in the beginning, Indians may find themselves caught in tenterhooks.
Naseem can move the new ball well. So, it will be great contest to watch. Haris can undo and topple any good batting side with his pace and speed. Pakistan’s strength is their pace trio. Abrar has bowled well, but Indians play the spin well. So, I don’t see him posing any specific threat to Indian batters.
India is strong contender of the trophy. They are favourites to clinch the tournament. A complete package, a star studded side, with plenty of spin all-rounder options including sensational Hardik Pandiya. Bumrah’s exodus is undoubtedly a blow for the team, but Shami, Arshdeep and Harshit Rana are quite penetrative. Shami is in good form, got a fifer against Bangladesh on Thursday. The Hitman led side has vanquished English team very recently in the three match bilateral series. Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma are in midas touch. The pair can agitate and stun Pakistan team with their hitting prowess.
Gill believes in copy book style while as Hitman can trounce and demolish the Pak battery to all parts of the game. Legendary Virat Kohli isn’t in his prime form. He is going through a lean patch. But, he is just a match away from his class. Though it won’t be easy against the likes of Shaheen, Naseem and Haris, yet he is capable enough to tackle the situation. Shreyas Iyer , Rahul and lately Axar Patel look indomitable. Axar with Iyer has finished matches against England comfortably. R Jadega, Hardik Pandiya and W Sundar solidify India’s lower middle order. Given the multiple all-rounder options, Indian captain can include an extra pacer against Pakistan. Harshit Rana can embarrass Pak batters, and can spring a surprise in Dubai.
Though both teams had contrasting starts to the tournament, but the amount of pressure in the match must be same, for it is an Indo-Pak match. The Indian side looks more balanced and stronger. Dubai is not a high scoring venue. The venue has been a happy hunting ground for team India. India is unbeaten at the venue in ODIs. It has won six out of seven ODIs played here, and has a 2-0 record against Pakistan.
But, Pak team has won last two T20s played here against their arch rivals, including a ten wicket victory in 2021 world cup. Dubai pitch might offer some help for bowlers, but scoring runs won’t be impossible as well. Application and execution by batters will hold the key. Dubai pitch might aid seamers initially, it may slow down as the match progresses ahead, ball won’t come on the bat easily in the middle overs. Spinners might do well here in the middle overs, but dew may play a spoil sport for bowlers. So, win the toss, and bowl first. Let’s hope the two sides give us another cliffhanger.
Author is a Teacher and a Columnist. He can be reached at mushtaqhurra143@gmail.com
