ICC World T20 2016: India vs Pakistan- 5 key battles
India would take on Pakistan in an all-important clash of the ICC World T20 2016The much-anticipated clash of the ICC World T20 2016 is just around the corner with India and Pakistan set to face each other for the second time in two months in a T20 competition at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.Despite the perfect record that India have against their neighbours in World Cups (whether 50 over or 20 over) it is Pakistan whoholdthe momentum going into the crucial encounter and hold the upper hand over the hosts.Indiawerehumbled in their openinggame against New Zealandwhen the powerful Indian batting line-up submitted to the New Zealand spinners who exploited the turning surface at Nagpur perfectly.On the other hand, Pakistan, in their tournament opener against Bangladesh registered a first innings total in excess of 200 runs and won the game easily by 55 runs.There are two counter-balancing records on the line as well. While Indiahavebeen undefeated against Pakistan in World T20s, they have lost all of their limited-overs fixtures (4) against Pakistan at the Eden Gardens.Here, we take a look at 5 key battles between players that might define the course of the match.
#5 Jasprit Bumrah vs Shahid Afridi
Speaking about the in-form batsmen, Pakistan have their captain Shahid Afridi who took the game against Bangladesh by storm through a breathtaking half-century, to help Pakistan post a match-winning total, and then grabbed two quick wickets to put Bangladesh on the back foot.
Afridi’s knock of 49 off just 19 balls with 4 fours and as many sixes would have definitely sent some jitters down the spines of the Indian bowlers.
However, India have recently unearthed a gem, who looks to have ice running down his veins, as he has delivered in crunch situations with his toe-crushing yorkers, something that was previously unheard of in the Indian bowling arena.
Jasprit Bumrah has been the find of the year so far for India, and he would look to continue his impressive stint in this game as well.
However, the path won’t be easy for him, as he might have to face one of the most destructive batsmen in the history of the game in Shahid Afridi.
Will Bumrah’s yorkers be able to uproot Afridi’s stumps? Only time will tell.