Can Hosts make it 8-0 against arch rivals in ODI World Cups?

India-Pakistan encounters are invariably marquee clashes on the cricket field. But when the arch rivals play each-other in ODI World Cup matches, Indian fans always wish for a record to stay intact that has existed since 1992. India may have beaten Pakistan seven times in a row but this time, experts too believe the streak will remain unblemished like before. Although records are meant to be broken and this one too may end someday, on Saturday, a billion people will pray for another victory to make it 8-0!

Both teams are tipped to reach the semis and showcased their prowess in the first couple of matches. Starting their campaigns well with two wins on the trot, both teams look confident for the key battle on the Ahmedabad pitch that would be relished by both the batting line ups. In a way, this will be the first big test for both sides and may help ignite the rather lacklustre World Cup wherein all matches till now have been rather tame, one-sided affairs. But given the history of the two sides and their respective forms, the game certainly promises to be a high-octane entertainer.

Performing consistently well since the Asia Cup and the stalwarts hitting top form, India will look to carry the momentum forward. Against Afghanistan, a belligerent Rohit Sharma became the top century maker in World Cups, leaving the legendary Sachin Tendulkar behind. His record-breaking spree also saw him become the leading six hitter in the world across all formats.

Significantly, Hitman Rohit was in complete control and laid to rest any doubts about the top order after the horrible start against Australia. Shubman Gill’s absence due to dengue gave a chance to Ishan Kishan to open. After a golden duck in the first match, he made a composed 47 against the Afghans which also was a good outing for Shreyas Iyer who notched up an unbeaten 25 after failing to make much of the opportunities in his last few matches.

Special mention must be made of Virat Kohli’s composure and K.L. Rahul whose solidity has put the demons of 2019 World Cup to rest when a top order wobble meant an immediate collapse of the middle order. Against Australia, India had a scorecard similar to the 2019 semifinal versus New Zealand. Reduced to 3 down for 2 runs, Indians were under immense pressure chasing a paltry 200 but the cool demeanour and steady effort by Kohli-Rahul helped India put a pile on the scoreboard. Though Kohli eventually got out at 85, Rahul ensured India’s victory without a hiccup and stayed unbeaten at 97.

One of the reasons for India being touted as favourites is their formidable bowling line up as well. Bumrah has been phenomenal since his return from injury and has picked up 6 wickets in the first 2 matches while Jadeja too has shown why he is currently rated the top allrounder in all formats. Knowing the Chennai pitch well due to his long association with Superkings, Jadeja castled 4 Aussies to kickstart his campaign. His spin colleagues Kuldeep and Ashwin were equally good and economical; Kuldeep picking up 3 wickets while Ashwin playing only against Australia, picked 1 wicket at less than 4 runs an over.

Meanwhile, India’s go to all-rounder, Hardik Pandya has demonstrated why he is a critical cog in this World Cup. Not only he took 3 wickets but broke vital partnerships at crucial junctures and with his batting form on the rise, Hardik might just prove to be the Yuvraj Singh for India in this edition!

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry