India vs Pakistan: Key battles to watch out for
The whole world will be glued to their television sets when India and Pakistan face each other in a mouth-watering clash, on Wednesday, in the ongoing Asia Cup 2018. Pakistan showed their prowess with the ball against Hong Kong and their pacers will be looking to bowl, with same venom, against India. Here we decode the key battles in this crunch tie.
Usman will look to trouble Rohit atop
24-year-old Usman Khan is slowly becoming quite the force for Pakistan. In 7 ODIs, he has picked 18 wickets. The left-arm bowler, who was superb against Hong Kong, will look to have his say against Rohit Sharma atop. It will be interesting to see how the Indian captain dictates the proceedings against an in-form Khan, who has a variety of deliveries in his arsenal.
Bumrah against Fakhar will be an important battle
Fakhar Zaman is enjoying the form of his life and his aggression atop could make a real difference. But against India, he will be facing a top class entity in JaspritBumrah. The Indian pacer's unorthodox style and pace could trouble Zaman. Also his ability to bowl in tight channels will not give Zaman ample space. Zaman's counter will be interesting to watch.
Amir versus Dhoni a crucial factor
Mohammad Amir cannot be ignored and he has got real steel in him. The 26-year-old has become one of the most fearful bowlers. He has great pace and swing to deliver excellent performances consistently. The way he sets up against MS Dhoni will be a vital factor. He will look to have a go at MS and rattle India's middle order.
Hasan Ali could have a big say
Hasan Ali has become a vital cog in the set-up and could come in as the first change in the bowling. Ali's blend of variations is a strong feature. He has enjoying an excellent form. He even bagged Pakistan's ODI Cricketer of the Year award, last month. He could test KL Rahul, who will come in at number 3. Can Rahul stop his ascendancy?
India's wrist spinners versus Pakistan's middle order
India's wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal could be handy and test the Pakistani middle order. The likes of Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik are good players of spin. But they haven't been tested against quality spin of Yadav and Chahal. Both are unpredictable and pick wickets at large. They can run in through the middle order. That's where Pakistan need stability.
