By Nishad Pai Vaidya
Birmingham: Jun 14, 2013
The Edgbaston, Birmigham would resemble any sub-continental ground as India and Pakistan face off in their last league game at the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. By no means it is a dead affair as beating the arch-rival is of immense important to the two teams and their fans. India have already made it through to the semi-finals, but Pakistan would want to go out on a high by clinching victory over their neighbours.
At the outset, India are firm favourites given their form. However, Pakistan would take heart from the fact that they have never lost to India in a Champions Trophy game. They beat India in the 2004 and 2009 editions of the tournament. Misbah-ul-Haq’s men would be eager to maintain that record.
India’s batting has been absolutely splendid and a lot of the credit has to go to Shikhar Dhawan. Stepping into the shoes of his Delhi teammates, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, Dhawan has done exceedingly well as he has smashed two consecutive hundreds. At the other end, he has had able support from Rohit Sharma, who has played sensibly and has mixed caution with aggression. Dinesh Karthik and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are also in good form. Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina haven’t had much time in the middle in this tournament.
The death bowling is a concern for India as they tend to be expensive. With the new ball, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav can do the damage. But, it is in the middle-overs when the spinners come on that India can tighten the screws. Ravindra Jadeja has been exceptional and has continued his good form. Not to forget, Ravichandran Ashwin who is also doing well.
By Nishad Pai Vaidya
Birmingham: Jun 14, 2013
The Edgbaston, Birmigham would resemble any sub-continental ground as India and Pakistan face off in their last league game at the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. By no means it is a dead affair as beating the arch-rival is of immense important to the two teams and their fans. India have already made it through to the semi-finals, but Pakistan would want to go out on a high by clinching victory over their neighbours.
At the outset, India are firm favourites given their form. However, Pakistan would take heart from the fact that they have never lost to India in a Champions Trophy game. They beat India in the 2004 and 2009 editions of the tournament. Misbah-ul-Haq’s men would be eager to maintain that record.
India’s batting has been absolutely splendid and a lot of the credit has to go to Shikhar Dhawan. Stepping into the shoes of his Delhi teammates, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, Dhawan has done exceedingly well as he has smashed two consecutive hundreds. At the other end, he has had able support from Rohit Sharma, who has played sensibly and has mixed caution with aggression. Dinesh Karthik and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are also in good form. Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina haven’t had much time in the middle in this tournament.
The death bowling is a concern for India as they tend to be expensive. With the new ball, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav can do the damage. But, it is in the middle-overs when the spinners come on that India can tighten the screws. Ravindra Jadeja has been exceptional and has continued his good form. Not to forget, Ravichandran Ashwin who is also doing well.
Birmingham: Jun 14, 2013
The Edgbaston, Birmigham would resemble any sub-continental ground as India and Pakistan face off in their last league game at the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. By no means it is a dead affair as beating the arch-rival is of immense important to the two teams and their fans. India have already made it through to the semi-finals, but Pakistan would want to go out on a high by clinching victory over their neighbours.
At the outset, India are firm favourites given their form. However, Pakistan would take heart from the fact that they have never lost to India in a Champions Trophy game. They beat India in the 2004 and 2009 editions of the tournament. Misbah-ul-Haq’s men would be eager to maintain that record.
India’s batting has been absolutely splendid and a lot of the credit has to go to Shikhar Dhawan. Stepping into the shoes of his Delhi teammates, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, Dhawan has done exceedingly well as he has smashed two consecutive hundreds. At the other end, he has had able support from Rohit Sharma, who has played sensibly and has mixed caution with aggression. Dinesh Karthik and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are also in good form. Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina haven’t had much time in the middle in this tournament.
The death bowling is a concern for India as they tend to be expensive. With the new ball, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav can do the damage. But, it is in the middle-overs when the spinners come on that India can tighten the screws. Ravindra Jadeja has been exceptional and has continued his good form. Not to forget, Ravichandran Ashwin who is also doing well.
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