The India vs Pakistan World Cup 2023 clash is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India. It is one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament and is expected to draw a massive global audience.
The two teams have already met twice this year during the Asia Cup 2023. The ODI World Cup clash is expected to be a thrilling encounter between the two because the collision is set to happen after a decade on the Indian track.
The last face-off between the two Teams in India
India and Pakistan met for the last time in India when Pakistan was on tour to India during the winters of 2012-2013. The men in green were scheduled to play 2 T20 internationals and 3 ODIs. The 3rd ODI was the last time when these two teams collided at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.
The fixture was a low-scoring game and the bowlers from both sides came out on top with Saeed Ajmal picking a 5-wicket haul. From India’s side, Ishant Sharma picked up 3 wickets with Ravichandran Ashwin and Bhuvneshwar Kumar scalping two wickets each.
This intense rivalry between the two neighbouring countries has always been the highlight of cricket tournaments and it is expected to continue on Sunday.
India vs Pakistan: What to Expect on Sunday?
The India vs. Pakistan match in the World Cup is always a highly anticipated, emotionally charged encounter. As these cricketing giants clash on a global stage, cricket fans worldwide are gearing up for a showdown that transcends the boundaries of sport.
With the historical and political tension between the two nations, the match becomes a symbol of national pride and competition.
In terms of gameplay, India will be coming with its best batters in the right form for the fixture. Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will be in the spotlight as the trio is performing exceptionally well.
However, the return of Shubman Gill will make headlines. He has recovered from his illness and now it's his time to make his debut for the ODI World Cup and prove his worth against the most ferocious bowling lineup.
From Pakistan’s side, Babar Azam will be playing his first-ever fixture in India and will be trying to make it a memorable inning. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will be in the spotlight because the dup has always been a danger to India’s top order.
A fierce battle between Shaheen Afridi and Rohit Sharma will be an interesting moment the watch.
India vs Pakistan: Players to Watch Out
For India, Virat Kohli remains the linchpin of their batting lineup, while Rohit Sharma's explosive opening performances are always a sight to behold. The bowling prowess of Jasprit Bumrah and the all-round capabilities of Hardik Pandya will be critical for India's success.
On the Pakistan side, Babar Azam's elegant stroke play and captaincy will be under the spotlight, alongside the fast-bowling duo of Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, who can provide crucial breakthroughs. These players, known for their skill and temperament, are the ones to watch in this high-stakes encounter, where their performances could tip the balance in favour of their respective teams.
What Went Right for Team India against Afghanistan?
India vs Afghanistan was one of the crucial games for team India to prepare themselves for the clash against Pakistan. Jasprit Bumrah was at his best with the new ball and picked up a 4-wicket haul in 10 overs at an economy of 3.90.
However, the highlight of the match was skipper Rohit Sharma’s innings as he looked in his best form during the match. Rohit Sharma scored 131 off 84 balls at a strike rate of 155.95 and regained his status as the ‘Hitman’. Ishan Kishan (47 off 47) and Virat Kohli (55 off 56) also played a crucial role and didn't allow the opposition to overpower the game.
