Clash of the Titans: Record favours India, form favours Pakistan

By Nishad Pai Vaidya

It is a high-voltage encounter – one whose intensity and fervour transcends the boundaries of the cricket field. The rivalry between India and Pakistan has its deep roots in history, and things reach a fever pitch when the two sides face each other. If the pressure of playing each other in a simple game is immense, it just magnifies in a World Cup. It is a game both sides desperately want to win, irrespective of their standing in the tournament as it is a matter of prestige. The ICC World T20 2012 is poised to host the two arch-rivals and witness an encounter that is potentially breathtaking - one which would bring the two countries to a standstill.

India’s record against Pakistan in World Cups – both the 50-over and the World T20 - is fantastic; they have never lost a game! Prior to the ICC World T20 2009, the two sides played each other in a warm-up game – which was also won by India. However, Pakistan got one back before the start of the current edition – albeit in a similar practice affair. Players from both sides would vouch for the fact that no contest between the two sides is any less significant. Thus, India’s defeat in that game may be a bit of a psychological dent ahead of the crucial Super-Eights match.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni number of questions before him as his team has been erratic in the tournament so far. The win against England raised the expectations of the fans and some stated that India had the goods to go all the way. However, it was almost as if they had ignored the fact that the English batsmen were inept at playing spin – something that was the biggest factor in India’s comprehensive victory. The crushing defeat to Australia took India to the opposite end of the spectrum as the same bowlers were carted around the park with ease.

It is imperative that Dhoni gets the balance of his side right as there were a number of loopholes in the last game. Irfan Pathan shouldn’t open the batting, irrespective whether Virender Sehwag is brought back or not. However, the return of Sehwag may help as he has done well against Pakistan on many occasions in the past. In such high-pressure games, his uncomplicated thinking allows him to absorb the pressure at the top and take India off to flyers. A quick-fire 20-odd off his bat may be enough to lift the spirits and set the ball rolling.

The five-bowler strategy was labelled as the ultimate saviour and something that would change India’s fortunes. It did work wonders against England, but went awry in the game against Australia. Perhaps, Dhoni erred by over-emphasising on spin. Playing three specialist spinners was always going to be a gamble and he must avoid it this time. The Pakistan batsmen are fantastic players of spin and wouldn’t have too many problems playing them. India had used five-specialist bowlers in the warm-up against Pakistan and it clearly didn’t work. Thus, they must clearly chalk out the options they want to use.

Pakistan have been a fantastic side in T20 internationals and the pressure is clearly on India given the complete picture. However, the whole notion of playing Pakistan may boost India’s morale and pep them up for the contest. It may be a required push to lift their performances and beat their neighbours. At the Asia Cup earlier this year, India comfortably chased a huge total against Pakistan at the back of Virat Kohli’s stupendous century. That win had come in the aftermath of the shocking defeat to Bangladesh. It would be a mistake to write India off, but Pakistan clearly have the advantage on many fronts.

Is the Pakistan warm-up victory a ripple that changes the tide or would India rise to the occasion and manage to defend their unbeaten record?

(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and an analyst for the site’s YouTube Channel. He shot to fame by spotting a wrong replay during IPL4 which resulted in Sachin Tendulkar's dismissal. His insights on the game have come in for high praise from cerebral former cricketers. He can be followed on Twitter at  http://twitter.com/nishad_44)

Video: See what fans have to say about the upcoming India-Pakistan clash

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Yuvraj, Ashwin & Kohli - Heroes of India's morale-boosting victory over Pakistan

Yuvraj Singh (above) looked like a man possessed. The typical celebrations on picking a wicket were back, and more importantly he was brilliant in the field. The direct hit to run-out Yasir Arafat was a major statement made by him © Getty Images

By Nishad Pai Vaidya 

It was a day where two rivalries ensued at the ICC World T20 2012. While one is a traditional one with its deep roots in history, the other has more to do with the recent past and their respective unique brands of cricket. The India-Pakistan and Australia-South Africa contests were touted as epics, but they turned out to be one-sided affairs, devoid of the usual excitement. The victors – India and Australia – registered comprehensive eight wicket victories and completely dominated their rivals.

Let us focus on the India-Pakistan game - the more intense rivalry off the two on show on Sunday. Going into the game, Pakistan had a clear advantage, given the fact that they had a better track record in T20 internationals. On form in this tournament, they had the upper hand as India had been very erratic. However, a different Indian team turned up and looked up for the contest. The whole buzz around the game may have lifted their spirits and prompted them to perform better.

As one of the commentators pointed out, the balance of power has shifted more towards India in recent years because they have absorbed the pressure well. Pakistan, on the other hand, have looked too eager in such clashes as they have tried too hard to make things go their way. A common feature in recent contests between the two sides would be a below-par Pakistani performance in the field. The fielders seem adamant on shying at the stumps even when it isn’t required. Then there are overthrows, a few misfields and not to forget a spilled chance or two.

India would be very happy with their performance and this win would give them tremendous confidence. However, Mahendra Singh Dhoni would know that the job isn’t done and they need to maintain consistency – something that has been missing during this campaign. As mentioned earlier, they have been too erratic as a poor performance has been followed up with a brilliant one and vice versa.

Let us track India’s progress since the warm-ups, where they beat Sri Lanka comfortably and then slipped to a defeat against Pakistan. In the group stages, they just about got past Afghanistan and then mauled England to secure a victory. Australia bludgeoned India into submission and then came along this comprehensive victory over the arch-rivals. It is evident that there has been no middle path, with the peaks and troughs alternating.

Keeping this into perspective, the five bowler debate has no real relevance as the team itself isn’t striking consistency. Even with five-bowlers India were nowhere near competing with Australia and the same strategy didn’t work against Pakistan in the warm-up. It is imperative that the bowlers maintain discipline and show good application in the middle. Lakshmipathy Balaji and Zaheer Khan were good, although they were hit around a little. Irfan Pathan was a touch expensive, but picked up the crucial first wicket.

The performance of Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuvraj Singh should be lauded as they were the ones who strangled Pakistan. In the seven overs they bowled between them, they conceded only 32 runs and scalped four wickets. Yuvraj, in particular, looked like a man possessed. Since his comeback he has looked a little weak and not at his best in terms of fitness, but during this game he looked charged up. The typical celebrations on picking a wicket were back, and more importantly he was brilliant in the field. The direct hit to run-out Yasir Arafat was a major statement made by him.

Irrespective of the format, Virat Kohli continues to be in brilliant form. He comes in, soaks all the pressure and places India in a very comfortable situation. At the age of 23, he has become India’s mainstay and a lot of their hopes depend on him. As the year has progressed, one can sense an assured touch to his batting and most of the deliveries look innocuous when he faces them. His feet are moving well and the bat is meating the ball.

India now has to beat South Africa to have a good chance of qualifying through to the semi-finals. There are a number of permutations and combinations involved and the picture would only become clearer once the games are done. This teamwork and discipline has to be carried forward to that game and the erratic tendencies have to be nipped.

For now, India can rejoice that its unbeaten record against Pakistan in World Cups is intact.

(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and an analyst for the site’s YouTube Channel. He shot to fame by spotting a wrong replay during IPL4 which resulted in Sachin Tendulkar's dismissal. His insights on the game have come in for high praise from cerebral former cricketers. He can be followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/nishad_44)

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ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2012: Match time table with group details

Video: See what fans have to say about the India-Pakistan clash

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Watson, Hussey look good; Australia favoured to quell Pakistan challenge

Shruti Chopra dwells into her tarot cards to see what lies ahead in the Australia vs Pakistan ICC T20 World Cup game on Tuesday.

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Australia

Australia have played some strong matches and are looking to continue doing so, but with the Page of Cups drawn, they will come into this game with some anxieties and may even over question their approach. This is where the right strategies will step in. The Death and Seven of Cups indicates their change of plans, hence confusing the opposition. They will enjoy themselves on the field, but will need to be more cautious with their batting.

George Bailey has grown in confidence and will further benefit from this positivity in his captaincy today. The Seven and Six of Wands show his desire to be more proactive and keep his team in the forefront. He will appear more nervous with his batting, but yet he will also adapt himself well to enjoy a good innings.

Key players

Shane Watson believes it is his time and he will capitalise on this further. The World and Four of Cups represent this success.

David Warner will go through an initial weakness in his innings, which he will steadily pick himself out of. The Two of Swords advises him to be more receptive, which will allow him to play a better innings.

Michael Hussey draws the Ten of Cups and Five of Swords which show him playing a strong team innings and will work on keeping the team's spirits high.

Brad Hogg will be economical and strong. His aggression will be well directed and effective.

Pat Cummins will have to battle today. The Seven and Eight of Pentacles reinforce him having to work very hard to be economical.

Pakistan

The Nine of Wands and the Eight of Cups shows a temperamental and anxious Pakistan team. This is odd, as they have the right plans in place and a strong self belief, but yet they will have the ability to confuse themselves and lose out. The Judgment card advises them to not get caught up in this since they will put up a strong performance all round. Especially with the High Priestess drawn, they will bring out all their batting potential.

Mohammad Hafeez will have weak ideas to combat Australia. The Three and Seven of Swords represents this confusion. Instead, it will be the strength of his team that will help him through. This negativity will filter into his batting. Therefore he will find it tough to fulfill expectations.

Key players

Kamran Akmal will initially look out of sync, but he will mend this issue and build a steady innings. The Four of Wands indicates an innings played for the team.

Imran Nazir will need to hold on to his temperament and not appear so negative, especially as a little bit of focus will see him thrive in to a strong innings. The Three of Pentacles shows off his batting skills.

Saeed Ajmal will overall be economical and deceptive, but he too will lack focus. With the Page of Swords drawn it will be important for him to stay alert.

Shahid Afridi will require better direction, which he will manage to achieve. He will apply his experience well and be supportive to the captain as explained by the Emperor card.

Umar Gul has a tough day ahead. He will relish the challenge, but yet will find himself unable to capitalise on opportunities.

Who will win?

Australia.

(London-born Shruti Chopra was introduced to cricket by her two older brothers. She spent some of her childhood time in Delhi and became an Indian cricket fan. She has remained an unflinching and passionate Indian cricket fan even after moving back to London, setting 3.00 am alarms to watch India play Test matches. It was during the 2011 World Cup that she brought together her passion for cricket with her profession of Tarot Reading, looking at the cards in the hope of spotting an India win coming through - which it did! You can know more about Shruti via Facebook, Twitter and her website) 

Video: Watch the preview to the Australia-Pakistan clash at the ICC World T20 2012

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ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2012: Match time table with group details 

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