After six unsuccessful attempts in World Cups, Pakistan face off against arch-rivals India at Manchester on Sunday hoping to register a win. Pakistan's batting floundered in the matches against West Indies and Australia and Pakistan lurk in the bottom half of the table. India, on the other hand, despite a washout against the Kiwis, are at the top end with victories against Australia and South Africa.
Pitch and weather conditions: The Manchester surface is expected to be flat but with cloud cover and even rain predicted, it could help the seamers.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: MS Dhoni (9 credits)
With the conditions expected to be daunting against the new ball, Dhoni, who could bat up the order in Shikhar Dhawan's absence, will be a key player. Expect big runs from the wicket-keeper batsman at Manchester particularly if Pakistan has their way early.
Batsman: Babar Azam (10 credits)
Babar Azam is in rollicking form in ODIs and is among the most consistent Pakistan batsmen in the format. He has 587 runs this year in ODIs at an average of 48.9. The right-hander will be key in countering India's spin duo in the middle overs.
All-rounder: Hardik Pandya (9 credits)
Hardik Pandya was used up the order in the last match against Australia with a platform set for the all-rounder to dominate. With wickets as the fifth bowler and runs from down the order, Hardik will be a key figure for India in the match against Pakistan.
Bowler: Mohammad
After six unsuccessful attempts in World Cups, Pakistan face off against arch-rivals India at Manchester on Sunday hoping to register a win. Pakistan's batting floundered in the matches against West Indies and Australia and Pakistan lurk in the bottom half of the table. India, on the other hand, despite a washout against the Kiwis, are at the top end with victories against Australia and South Africa.
Pitch and weather conditions: The Manchester surface is expected to be flat but with cloud cover and even rain predicted, it could help the seamers.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: MS Dhoni (9 credits)
With the conditions expected to be daunting against the new ball, Dhoni, who could bat up the order in Shikhar Dhawan's absence, will be a key player. Expect big runs from the wicket-keeper batsman at Manchester particularly if Pakistan has their way early.
Batsman: Babar Azam (10 credits)
Babar Azam is in rollicking form in ODIs and is among the most consistent Pakistan batsmen in the format. He has 587 runs this year in ODIs at an average of 48.9. The right-hander will be key in countering India's spin duo in the middle overs.
All-rounder: Hardik Pandya (9 credits)
Hardik Pandya was used up the order in the last match against Australia with a platform set for the all-rounder to dominate. With wickets as the fifth bowler and runs from down the order, Hardik will be a key figure for India in the match against Pakistan.
Bowler: Mohammad Amir (9 credits)
Amir was controversially included in the World Cup team at the last minute but has started off well in the tournament. A five-wicket haul in a superb performance against the Aussies has warmed him up for the big game against India on Sunday. After his Champions Trophy final exploits against India in 2017 in this country, Amir will be watched out for in this game.
Captain: Virat Kohli
Vice-captain: Mohammad Amir
Predicted Playing XI
India: Lokesh Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik/Vijay Shankar, Kedar Jadhav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi
