India-Pakistan matches are special also because of the sub-plots that add intrigue to the drama. Other than the usual battles between the bat and the ball, there are these thematic match-ups, where each side wants to probe the weaker spots of the other, applying their own strengths. Sometimes, this attack is launched to blunt the opponent’s main weapons. Here’s a quick look at the potential combats in Sunday’s Champions Trophy clash between the archrivals in Dubai:
Pace vs opening might
This is mouth-watering fare. Pakistan’s best chance with the ball against any team is when it is new. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Nasim Shah and Haris Rauf are not consistent, but can be difficult to handle on their days. Attacking the new ball is the Indian template set by Rohit Sharma. Shubman Gill is playing perfect foil. The captain and vice-captain can demoralise bowlers early on. In all likelihood, the Pakistani pacers and Indian openers will go at each other. The last time the teams met in this competition, Mohammed Amir had sealed the deal in his first spell.
Spin vs fragile batting order
Batters have often let Pakistan down in recent times. The order has been shuffled and reshuffled. They will be without the injured Fakhar Zaman. India’s spin combination is a handful against most teams, especially in Dubai, where the pitches don’t seem to be traditional belters. Kuldeep Yadav did well against Pakistan in the last two 50-over World Cups and his dismissal of Babar Azam was one of the highlights of the Indian campaign in 2019. Whether he will play or Varun Chakravarthy is difficult to say. Spin will still be a concern for Pakistan.
Kohli vs the one turning away
Arguably the best-ever batter to have played this format, Virat Kohli has lately shown vulnerability against spin across formats. Most glaring are the dismissals against left-arm spinners and leg-spinners, who turn the ball away from the right-hander. Teams have noticed this and probed him down that line. Pakistan played leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and used the left-arm orthodox variety of Khushdil Shah and off-spin of Salman Agha in their first match against New Zealand. The only player with 50 ODI centuries can expect what is becoming a familiar test.
Shami vs batters and himself
Each game he plays now, is an opportunity for Mohammed Shami to test himself. Programmed to return in this tournament and tuned gradually after an ankle surgery after the 2023 World Cup, the veteran pacer started with 5/53 against Bangladesh. Pace a tad down, but ability to strike in the initial and death overs regained, Shami should lick his lips against an erratic batting line-up. He will have a go at them before the spinners come into play. A fired up Shami first up is a fearsome proposition for any side.
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