What happens if two of the most popular teams in UAE, host India and defacto home team Pakistan to reach the final finishing top two and winning the semis? It would be box office bonanza and definitely most viewed cricket event of the recent time. True the two teams would have advantages ,UAE is the home away from home for Pakistan . Until the recent past they hosted most teams at UAE considering it as their home venue. We are not sure how many of the present squad have that experience. But in general they must be having a fair idea about the nature and condition of the wicket. On the other hand India staged their recent IPL mega event in UAE and their players got accustomed. Whatever be the case India Pakistan meeting in any event anywhere create a virus. This time that virus has already Cricket admirers all over the world. Their meet at the group stage would be a game changer. For political reasons two teams do not meet in bilateral series. Pakistanis do not appear in IPL, Indians do not play at PSL. But cricket in UAE desert brain Child of Abdur Rahman Bukhatir used to be an annual gala festival between India and Pakistan. Asif Iqbal , the Pakistan great of the past was also among the mastermind. This time India and Pakistan are placed in the same group of super 12 alongside strong New Zealand, not to be discounted Afghanistan and possibly Bangladesh and another qualifier. Many would like to see both India and Pakistan progressing. But it would be that easy. Either Pakistan or India may not go through. However, team winning the match between each other would get the advantage. Indian squad has all ends covered. They have brilliant batsmen, all T20 specialist all the way down to eight, good penetrative pace bowlers , great spinners . Pakistan has some brilliant players, good pace and spin bowlers, but their batting looks a bit thin. Moreover, Imran Khan guided recent changes in team management might have caused some impacts. We are not sure how quickly Mathew Hayden and Philander can adjust with the players. It is still a month and they are quality stuff. Pakistan is hosting New Zealand. Indians would be playing in IPL. India Pakistan match never follow any guideline.
In international meet India has glorious records in the past .Pakistan has never won against India in ODI world cup. But Pakistan beat India in the Champions trophy. India Pakistan could not do well I the past two ICC T20 World Cup which West Indies won. The team that wins in the meet between them would be in a better position. The other fancied team in the group New Zealand may not be easy to beat by either India or Pakistan. Afghanistan can prove difficult. They have high quality spin attack. Great Rashid Khan, mystery bowler Mujeebur Rahman, and experienced all rounder Nabi would make Afghanistan a difficult team,. Afghanistan would definitely cause some surprise. Even Bangladesh would not be easy to walk over. They have Mustafiz, Shakib , Mushfique and Mahmudullah . There are every likelihood that New Zealand and either India or Pakistan would go through. It would depend which of them are rocked by either Afghanistan or Bangladesh. New Zealand is better equipped and well drilled to qualify and may be as the top of the group. Off course these are mere guess. Circumstances alter cases and cases would be altered.
If we look at the squads it tell all that India is far balanced and more accomplished team. It has very strong batting unit and horses for the courses bowling attack. India is possibly aware that wicket would take spin and for that packed their side with great spinners. Indian batting unit is perhaps comparable with West Indies only. KL Rahul and Rohit are expected to give India rollicking start. King Kohli is going through a lean patch. But he would bounce back at some stage. Surja Kumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan are brilliant budding batting genius and then Rishab Pant is the X-Factor. I am not sure India would play with three pacers and two spinners or play two pacers and three spinners. Hardik Pandya gives India going for two pacers Bumrah and B Kumar or Sami. In that case India can play both Ravi Chandra Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeaja. It would be better they avoid meeting West Indies in the semi final. I would love seeing India West Indies Final.
Pakistan on the other hand perhaps has one of the best new ball attacks. But batting looks thin and lacks depth. Fakhar Zaman should have been in the main squad. Experienced player like Shoiab Malik could be useful. India Pakistan match is more of a mind game. It does not always matter which team looks better on paper. Just after announcement of the squad head coach Meshbah Ul Huq and bowling Coach Waqar Yunis resigned . Drams in Pakistan team and team management are very common and usual phenomenon. PCB in no time appointed Mathew Hayden of Australia as Head Coach and Vernon Philander of South Africa as bowling coach. Both great players .But would definitely take some time to adjust. Pakistan is hosting a below strength New Zealand team . Indians will play against a stronger Black Cap unit.
But I think Pakistan does not have quality to win consistently and make the semifinal. In my opinion New Zealand and India would go through to the semifinal. From the other group if West Indies and England finishes top and second New Zealand would Play England and India would play West Indies. Would review Semi Finals in future episodes.
If India manages to qualify for the final and find West Indies there people will remember 1983. After winning the first two Prudential ICC World Great West Indians spearheaded by legendary Sir Clive Lloyd was toppled over by Kapil Dev led India. Similar situation would be there. West Indies the past two T20 world Cup would be looking for a hat trick. Can VK led India repeat the history?
BDST: 1426 HRS, SEP 17, 2021
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