Kolkata: The City of Joy has an optimistic sound to it. But sanguine emotions roll back when there is an India-Pakistan cricket match. It is more about tense moments, cross-border rivalry and then, cricket. The rivalry – which could be called ‘The Ashes’ of the Asian region – will further gain shape when the two nations meet for the Group B, Super 10 tie of the ICC World Twenty20 here at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Just like old times #Ind - @SGanguly99, @YUVSTRONG12, @harbhajan_singh, Nehra #WT20https://t.co/IVrhMsDHo4
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 18, 2016
India, termed ‘favourites’ from the start of the tournament, is under immense pressure after the 47-run loss to New Zealand in Nagppur in the opener.
LIVE on #Periscope: India train ahead of the Pakistan game at the Eden Gardens #WT20 #IndvPak https://t.co/ptcuNZfcmS
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 18, 2016
The Men in Blue, known to be veterans of playing spin bowling, were beaten by the taste of their own medicine against the Kiwis. The star-studded batting line-up could not rise to the occasion and that’s a worry ahead of such a crucial tie against Pakistan, known for gritty pace bowling.
The Hitman - @ImRo45 is geared up for practice session #Ind #WT20 pic.twitter.com/hiEjdTelHf
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 18, 2016
India invited a knockout stage for themselves and they also need to have a look at the net run rate in order to book a berth in the next round.
However, India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the focus should be on a win at the moment.
Ashwin Ravi addressed the media ahead of the game against Pakistan at the Eden Gardens #WT20
Posted by Indian Cricket Team on Friday, March 18, 2016
“We need to win a game first. The net run rate will gradually fall in place. As of now, that is not a concern. The team is used to Indo-Pak matches and I think the pressure can be handled,” said the 29-year-old.
Talking about India’s bowling, Ashwin said: “If we knew we would be all out for 79, we would have tried to restrict them for an even lesser score. The biggest challenge of the tournament is to understand the balance, nature of the wicket and conditions of the ground. It is not about spinners or pacers,” he added.
Pakistan trained at the optional practice session on Thursday while few Indians opted out.
The Men in Blue are ready for the net session - @harbhajan_singh and @SDhawan25 #Ind #WT20 pic.twitter.com/pJ32esrA3o
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 18, 2016
Ashwin asserted that it was necessary for the team to sit back and evaluate their performance in Nagpur before hitting the nets at Eden Gardens.
“If Pakistan trained, then they are more hard working. We thought we would sit back in our hotel room and assess what went wrong the other night. Cricket is also about individual planning,” he added.
Head Coach Waqar Younis speaking ahead of Pakistan team's match with India during ICC #WT20
Posted by Pakistan Cricket Team on Friday, March 18, 2016
All-rounder Pawan Negi, spotted at the nets, raised eyebrows regarding his inclusion in the playing eleven. Mohammad Shami looked fit and in great shape but Team India is not likely to tinker with the combination.
On the other hand, Pakistan is confident after a smooth 55-run win against Bangladesh on Wednesday. Skipper Shahid Afridi tasted form (49 off 19 and 2/27) which is not a good sign for India.
“We scored 200 in the first match, the first team to do so, hence, do not underestimate our batting,” said Pakistan Head Coach Waqar Younis.
.@ImRaina takes some time out for his fans at the Eden Gardens. #Ind play #Pak on March 19 in #WT20 pic.twitter.com/gzPSfC3Bov
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 17, 2016
Waqar said the priority of the match should be cricket despite cultural and cricketing history between the neighbours.
But Pakistan doesn’t have a good record against India in the ICC tournaments but the catch is, they have a terrific record at this venue. They are unbeaten (4-0) in the ODI format.
.@ImRaina batting in the nets. Can he turnaround #Ind's fortunes at #WT20?https://t.co/XPAGspqYQ5
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 17, 2016
“History can be changed. India is under pressure and we will take advantage of that. This is the first time that the pressure is on India,” he added.
On a lighter note, Waqar praised Afridi for his statement on love for India.
“We really feel welcome after his comment,” he joked.
India versus Pakistan (Head to Head in T20)
Matches 7 India 6 Pakistan 1
In World T20
Matches 4 India 4 Pakistan 0
Highest run scorer from both teams
Virat Kohli 199 runs in 5 matches
Mohammad Hafeez 151 runs in 6 matches
Highest runs in an innings
Virat Kohli 78 (61) in Colombo, September 30, 2012
Mohammad Hafeez 61 (44) in Bengaluru, December 25, 2012
Leading wicket-takers
Umar Gul 11 wickets in 6 matches
Irfan Pathan 6 wickets in 3 matches
Best bowling performances
Mohammad Asif 4/18 in Durban, September 14, 2007
Hardik Pandya 3/8 in Mirpur, February 27, 2016
Squads
India: MS Dhoni (wk/c), V Kohli, R Sharma, S Dhawan, Y Singh, S Raina, R Jadeja, R Ashwin, H Pandya, J Bumrah, A Nehra
Pakistan: S Afridi (c), S Khan, A Shehzad, M Hafeez, U Akmal, S Ahmed (wk), S Malik, I Wasim, M Amir, M Irfan, W Riaz
