ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
India vs Pakistan World Cup 2023: Who are the Key Players, Playing XI of IND Vs Pak for 2023 Cricket World Cup
Match Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023,
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Match Time: 02:00 PM
In the World of Cricket, when it comes to cricket rivalries, there’s no match like India vs. Pakistan. This historic rivalry is a catch to take center attraction at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 which I’m sure will be the most exciting. The Stakes are sky-high as two undefeated teams prepare to face off today October 14th at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
A Rich Cricketing History:
India and Pakistan share a rich cricketing history, and their matches are nothing short of cricket Mega events. While Pakistan holds the edge in head-to-head ODI encounters with 73 wins to India’s 56, the Cricket World Cup series tells a different story. Ever since their first World Cup encounter in 1992, India hasn’t lost a single World Cup game against Pakistan which is why Indian fan’s hope is on high.
Both teams came up with easily won in their first two matches in the tournament. India looked strong in their first game, taking down Australia’s batters with the help of their spinners and easily reaching the target against Afghanistan. On the other hand, Pakistan started with a win against the Netherlands and showed their batting skills with a historic successful chase in World Cup history.
Who are Key Players for India Vs Pakistan World Cup 2023
For India, Captain Rohit Sharma is really important. His recent record-breaking innings against Afghanistan boosted India’s run rate and set the tone for the match against Afghanistan, which helped India score a lot of runs. Even though India will face Pakistan’s fast bowlers, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf, they trust Rohit to give them a good beginning because he’s done well against Pakistan before.
On the Other hand, Pakistan’s camp, Hasan Ali has been their standout performer with the ball in the World Cup. He’s taken six wickets at an average of 17.33. Although his overall career average against India isn’t exceptional, he has a history of rising to the occasion in crucial matches. In the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2017 Final, Hasan Ali’s performance was brilliant in Pakistan’s 180-run win against India. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations could be a game-changer in Ahmedabad.
When: India vs. Pakistan, October 14, 2023, 14:00 IST
Where: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
What to Expect: It’s going to be a scorching day with temperatures hitting 36 degrees Celsius at the start. The reward for enduring that heat is the possibility of dew making batting much easier in the second half, as observed by Pakistan. The pitch seems to have a black soil base with a touch of green, promising good binding. If it plays like it did on the opening day, teams will need to aim for a score in the ballpark of 330-340 to feel somewhat secure.
Biggest announcement:
For India: The big question is Shubman Gill. He pushed himself to practice, and in the Initial interview, Rohit Sharma hinted at a 99% chance of Gill’s availability. Gill joined the practice on the eve of the game, And Yes he is making come back to the team with force… With less spin expected to influence the match, Shardul Thakur is likely to keep his spot ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin. Mohammed Shami, who had an excellent record at the venue, bowled extensively in the nets and might replace Mohammed Siraj, who struggled against Afghanistan.
Tactics & Strategy:
Keep an eye on the battle between Kuldeep Yadav and Babar Azam. Kuldeep has dismissed Babar twice in just 18 balls. How Babar Azam, Pakistan’s batting, handles the middle overs of spin from Kuldeep will be crucial. Also, watch India’s middle order as they face Pakistan’s spin duo of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz.
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Tactics & Strategy: Shaheen Afridi, with his left-arm angle, will be crucial for Pakistan in creating an impact against India’s right-heavy batting lineup.
Pakistan (Playing XI): Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
What Captain has to say:
“I think there are certain boxes for me that I have to tick before every game, just to get you that confidence. For me, preparation is very important. I said at the start of the World Cup that I needed to prepare well to get into the tournament. And I thought I’ve done everything that I can from my side to prepare well for each game.” – Rohit Sharma on the importance of technical and mental preparation for each game.
“I didn’t get the captaincy because of a match and I will not lose it because of a match.” – Babar Azam isn’t worried about his position being defined by one game.
Amazing Facts about India Vs Pakistan Match
- Rohit Sharma has smashed 23 sixes in the PowerPlay in ODIs this year, while Pakistan has hit none. In fact, Pakistan hasn’t hit a single six in the PowerPlay phase in their last 20 ODIs.
- Virat Kohli has been dismissed for a sub-50 score only once in eight World Cup games against Pakistan. That was back in 2011.
- Since the start of this tournament, Pakistan holds a 9-7 head-to-head record in ODIs against India.
