Extraordinary performances often mark an Indo-Pak game. TOI lists the threats that could spoil India’s big day…
Date: March 30
Time: 2.30pm
Venue: Mohali
Shahid Afridi
The skipper has been the driving force behind his team’s brilliant show in this World Cup. Unleashing his tricky bag of leg-spinners, Afridi has taken 21 wickets in seven games at just 10.71 to be the highest wicket-taker of the tournament so far. On sub-continent wickets, Afridi becomes tremendously dangerous with his variations, which batsmen fall prey too. The 31-year-old hasn’t been that successful with the bat as he has been with the ball. The once-explosive batsman has managed just 65 runs in seven games. He has destroyed India before. In a big game, he may just do it again. Captain Afridi has been of immense value too, and in a crunch match, he could inspire his boys as well.
The Akmal Brothers
Kamran and Umar Akmal are the twin “necessary evils” of Pakistan cricket. Kamran can drop catches, and Umar can “feign injury” to save his brother’s job, but there is no denying the fact that the Akmal siblings are match-winners in their own right. Kamran has solved the opening problem well, bringing an attacking edge to Pakistan’s start. Umar is one of the most supremely talented batsmen in world cricket, and his unbeaten 44-run knock against Australia showed that in a pressure situation, he can steer Pakistan to victory.
Younis Khan
This middle-order bat has always done well in India, against India and in big games. At No. 4, he can take control of an innings beautifully and bring all his experience into play. His 267 against Pakistan at Bangalore in the final Test in 2005 won the match and the series for Pakistan. In 2007, he scored 117 as Pakistan chased 322 to beat India by four wickets at Mohali. The 33-year-old who led the team to a World Cup win – the T20 crown in 2009, will be keen for an encore.
Spin Threat
Besides the flippers, googlies and the zooters of Afridi, India, who play spin well, will have to watch out for Mohammad Hafeez and Saeed Ajmal too. Both the offspinners can be dangerous. While Hafeez can be equally effective in his other role as an opener, Ajmal, with his doosras in tow, could be equally dangerous.
Umar Gul
Has been amongst the best seamers of the event so far. Bowling brilliantly with both the old and the new ball, he has been almost unplayable. In fact, he has become more lethal since he started opening the attack. Gul has taken 14 wickets @14.50 so far, and on the Mohali track, should be able to add more to his tally. With Pakistan losing both Mohd Asif and Mohd Aamer before the tournament and Shoaib Akhtar losing his form and place in the side, Gul’s super show has been a boon for Pakistan and it’s pace department. – TOI
