In a few hours from now india and pakistan are going to clash at the Centurion, SA. The traditional rivals haven't met after 26/11. This is a game much hyped for over a month. But things dont look as good for india as for Pakistan.
This is india's first game at the CT while pakistan had a game against the windies and won it and have points in the kitty.
India have lost the services of Yuvi through a hand fracture while practicing fielding and the team balance is gone. Yuvi is a big hitter who can also play a longish innings when needed and can accelerate beautifully. He is also a useful slow left arm bowler and a great fielder. i can't see any one replacing him in true sense.
India's pace bowlers have their task cut out. In recent times only Ashish Nehra was consistant . Ishant has been very erratic, bowling all over the place. RP starts well but then looses his line/ length. All these three have to realize that they have to bowl a consistent line and length to contain Pakistan and take wickets.
Veterans Sachin and RD are now asked to do a lot along with Dhoni at the top. Yusuf Pathan has to come good with both bat & ball . Haven't seen his big hitting of late.Suresh Raina too must play to his potential and not throw away his wicket after getting well set with poor shot selection. Bhajji should talk less and get more wickets.
Pakistan look pretty well balanced team. Their bowling line up is very good with newcomer Aamer bowling very good pace along with Umer Gul and Rana Naved. i dont think they will risk playing asif after such a long layoff against india. they are well served in the spin department too. As far as batting goes, their opening pair is functional and both Imran nazir and Kamran Akmal are dangerous if they get going, so best to get them out soon. Younis is not fully fit and Md.Yousuf is not in good form. But their new star Umer Akmal is very talented and has great temperament. I am greatly impressed by his batting. We are going to see a lot of this boy in years to come. He is a great prospect for Pakistan.
Pakistan is hungry for a win. They haven't beaten India yet in a ICC tournament. Aamer wants to get Sachin's wicket. Umer Akmal wants to score big. This is their best chance to beat India.
Their biggest threat is their own unpredictability, you never know when they fold up like a pack of cards, on such days they were beaten by monnows. But against India-- well i can hear the war cry across the border.
My own objective assessment is 60-40 in favour of Pakistan.
Good Luck Team India, you need it.
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