Fans and supporters from both sides have been preparing for this clash for a few days as all tickets to the match have already been sold.
The last time the two sides met in England was in the Champions Trophy final where Pakistan won the match against India.
Pakistan's Cricket Team has been on a positive note since the Zimbabwe tour and the team has continued its winning streak in the Asia Cup by beating Hong Kong comfortably. Meanwhile, although it was a Test series, India lost to England by 4–1.
SBS Urdu talked to sports analysts from both Pakistan and India on how they are viewing this clash of South Asian giants in the Middle East.
Pakistani players get together to celebrate the dismissal of Hong Kong's Ehsan Khan in the Asia Cup between Pakistan and Hong Kong in Dubai. Source: AAP
Overview of Pakistan Cricket Team
Pakistani sports journalist Altamish Jiwa says that Pakistan has lately been performing well under the captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmad and the newcomers have also shown the potential.
“Pakistan is carrying a great momentum from its recent successes," he says.
"It is a young team with experienced players like Shoaib Malik, and led by Sarfraz. Everyone in the team is trying to chip in during the match which is very positive. On the field and off the field players are enjoying cricket which is essential to be an effective unit.
"Although India is there, Pakistan is being considered as favourites for the tournament.”
Pakistan Team – Batting:
Jiwa says the batting line up has shown great potential and the young guns that have been given chances in recent matches have come out blazing.
“Currently the opening pair of Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman is doing well which helps any team. I am really looking forward to watch Asif Ali bat and score runs. The conditions might also suit him in the UAE. Then we have Babar Azam who has score a lot of runs there.”
Pakistan Team – Bowling:
Jiwa feels that the bowling department will perform well even though Mohammad Amir hasn’t taken many wickets in recent games.
“Usman Shinwari can perform well against India. Hasan Ali is really pumped up and charged; he might take wickets in the upcoming matches. Amir is currently going through a lean patch. He hasn’t performed well in the last few matches but the captain and coach are giving him opportunities hoping for a turnaround.
"I believe that this might work and we could see similar action what we saw in the Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan”.
“Muhammad Amir would be looking forward to prove his critics wrong.”
Pakistan vs India – Head on:
Jiwa says it is very difficult as both the countries hardly play any matches.
“All the analysts and sports gurus have a hard time thinking about it. Also, there is so much pressure on both the teams to perform given how hardly they play with each other. The expectations from the players are extremely high.
"Pakistan has an edge based on the winning momentum."
"If we look at the recent form, I will give Pakistan the edge based on the momentum they are. India on the other side lost to England in the Test series, so their morale could be a bit down.”
Pakistan Cricket Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (Captain and wicket Keeper), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shan Masood, Shoaib Malik, Harris Sohail, Imam ul Haq, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Mohammed Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan Mohammed Amir, Usman Khan, and Shaheen Afridi.
(AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Source: AP
SBS Urdu also spoke to Sports Journalist and Editor of InsideSport.co, Rajendra Kumar Sharma, about Indian Cricket squad’s recent performance and his thoughts on the team.
According to Rajendra Kumar, the recent performance of India does not really tell the whole story as both the white ball and red ball games were different and the conditions were not the same.
“India played a competitive game during the limited over matches. Similarly, during England series, we lost but played a competitive game. Now, when India will come back and play in the Middle East, the conditions will be different and they will play with a white ball. The Indian record in sub-continent is very good.
“Even without Virat Kohli, India will have an edge”
"Also, when the game is between India and Pakistan, it brings out the best from both the teams. Unless there is an absolute (batting) collapse that was witnessed in the Champions Trophy match, both teams are competitive and India will play with its strengths, which is white ball cricket."
Indian Team – Batting:
(AP Photo/Rui Vieira) Source: AP
Kumar says the squad will be missing Virat Kohli but it is a different issue. Batsmen in the current team have performed really well in the past.
“In limited over matches, Rohit Sharma is a big factor for us. Then we have Dhawan and Rahul, who have to prove especially for the next World Cup.
Dhoni being part of the team is always great because as a senior player, team members listen to his advice and wisdom.
Currently, every player can change the game.”
Indian Team – Bowling:
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah can both perform on the day. If we talk about spinners there is Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. There are youngsters too that have performed well recently.
The potential in the bowling department is great and we can expect great results from them.”
India – Pakistan – Head on:
Kumar says it will be a very competitive match as players from both sides not only play the game but they are almost as if fighting for their countries.
“I believe that both Indian batsmen and bowlers will do well. It is a very balanced side.”
Indian Cricket Squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), MS Dhoni (wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Manish Pandey, KL Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shardul Thakur, Dinesh Karthik, Khaleel Ahmed.
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