There is something special about an India–Pakistan match. The anticipation builds slowly through the day, and by the time the players take the field, the air is thick with expectation.Tomorrow evening, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, fans will see yet another chapter of this enduring rivalry, and it promises to be a contest shaped as much by craft as by courage.
For India, the focus will rightly be on their bowling. Kuldeep Yadav has matured into a bowler of rare control and variety. His spell against the UAE was a reminder of how effective wrist spin can be when allied with patience. Varun Chakaravarthy brings a different set of puzzles for the batsmen, and Axar Patel’s steady accuracy complements their guile.
At the other end of the spectrum is Jasprit Bumrah, a bowler who gives his captain options at every stage of the innings — with the new ball, in the middle overs, and in the final stretch when clarity under pressure is most needed.India’s batting is no less promising. Young Abhishek Sharma has shown an ability to seize the initiative in the powerplay, while Shubman Gill’s calmness is a reassuring presence at the other end.
Suryakumar Yadav, with his range of strokes, will once again be the fulcrum, supported by Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel. It is a lineup that can adapt to the situation, whether it requires graft or a sudden burst of acceleration.
Pakistan will bring their own strengths. Fakhar Zaman has a knack for rising to big occasions, and Saim Ayub’s balance at the crease makes him an elegant foil. Mohammad Haris is an energetic presence in the middle order. With the ball, Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed are capable of slowing down India’s progress, while Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf remain dangerous with pace and swing.
The pitch in Dubai often rewards those who take time to understand it. Early on, the ball might move a little for the seamers, but once the surface settles, strokeplay becomes easier. The spinners will enjoy their work if they maintain discipline, and as always, the possibility of dew will make captains think carefully about batting first or chasing.Matches between these two sides are seldom straightforward. A moment of brilliance or a lapse of concentration can alter the direction of play. India, with the experience and variety in their bowling, start with a slight edge, but in T20 cricket, and especially in this contest, predictions are always tentative.
What fans can be sure of is that tomorrow evening will give them another reason to savour the game they all love, played with skill, intensity and mutual respect.(UNI)
India Predicted Playing XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf/Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed
