In what has to be this WT20’s most anticipated clash, India will meet Pakistan at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Both sides have game changers, and the match could easily go either way. India is no longer the winning horse to back, given their comprehensive loss to New Zealand in their first game. A struggling Pakistan, on the other hand, posted a convincing victory over Bangladesh. The chances, as R Ashwin said, is 50-50.
While the final result may be difficult to predict, here are some one-on-one clashes to look out for.
Virat Kohli vs Shoaib Malik
The vice-captain of the Indian T20 team, Virat Kohli, and Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik are not just evenly matched, they’re almost neck on neck. The runs they’ve made in the last 12 months are comparable, though Kohli has played fewer matches than Malik.
Yuvraj Singh vs Mohammad Irfan and Wahab Riaz
A struggling Yuvraj Singh managed only 12 runs from 26 against Mohammad Irfan and Wahab Riaz in the 2016 Asia Cup. Will he manage to get the better of them in Saturday clash at the Eden Gardens?
Shahid Afridi vs R Ashwin
In the Asia Cup in 2014, Afridi has a massive strike rate of 433.33. He made 13 runs off 3 balls. A discerning Ashwin will try his best to restrain him, while Afridi will try his very best to unleash his “boom boom.” This clash will be the one to look out for.
Ashish Nehra vs Mohammad Amir
India’s seasoned Ashish Nehra and Pakistan’s star come-back bowler have much in common, statistically. They have similar economy rates, and in the last twelve months have taken nearly the same number of wickets per game, on an average. Who are you rooting for?
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