India vs Pakistan World Cup 2015: Top-Five Contests to Watch Out For
An India vs Pakistan cricket match is no less than an all-out war. In the upcoming World Cup 2015, the much-awaited clash will once again see small battles adding to the generally nerve-wracking environment.
- Shubhodeep Chakravarty
- Updated: February 14, 2015 06:53 PM IST
The Indian cricket team has never lost a World Cup match to Pakistan. The defending champions are in no mood to 'surrender' this stunning record. Pakistan therefore, are even more determined to break the jinx and will look to go all out to secure a win when the two teams face off at Adelaide on Sunday. (Complete World Cup coverage | Fixtures | Teams | Players | History | Schedule)
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Here's a look at some of the key duels that will surely bring thunder Down Under:
Shikhar Dhawan vs Mohammad Irfan:
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Shikhar Dhawan can be quite unforgiving on his day. The Indian opener has an attacking style of play and just hates bowlers getting on top of him. Tackling Mohammad Irfan though won't be easy. The seven-foot Pakistani bowls fast, on target and his height makes him a formidable foe. No wonder then that the Indian batsmen practiced tackling balls delivered from a greater height than usual during their training session. (Pakistan's Lack of Experience Worries Inzaman-ul-Haq)
Virat Kohli vs Shahid Afridi:
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Virat Kohli has been in and out of form in recent matches but he still is the No. 2 ODI batsman in the world. While his batting position remains a mystery, the India vice-captain would target slower bowlers whenever he gets a chance to come out in the middle. This is what would make his battle against Shahid Afridi absolutely electric. A veteran all-rounder, Afridi can boom as loud with the ball as he does at times with the bat. The wily leg-spinner loves a contest and Kohli loves setting one up - a 'match' made in cricketing heavens for sure. (Dhoni Downplays India's Record vs Arch-Rivals)
MS Dhoni vs Misbah-ul-Haq:
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While MS Dhoni and Misbah-ul-Haq won't be facing each other directly once the match begins, the two captains are magnificent finishers in the ODI format. In what will be a battle for one-upmanship, Dhoni and Misbah will both look to galvanise their men on the field and pack a punch with their blades to get the bragging rights.
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Umar Akmal vs Ravichandran Ashwin:
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Umar Akmal walks out and before bowlers know it, closes in on a half-century at a strike rate that leaves all puzzled. The casual yet effective approach of the wicket-keeper batsman has won Pakistan many thrillers but a win against India would be epic indeed. If Ravichandran Ashwin has his way though, Akmal can find himself in a web of uncertainty. The Pakistani isn't perplexed by spinners but Ashwin has credentials to make any batsman take second guesses. And in cricket, the first mistake is usually also the last.
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And finally,
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The Indian fan vs the Pakistani fan:
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Why focus only on on-field battles when fans from India and Pakistan provide a sensational ambiance off it too? Adelaide has an enormous diaspora with origins in the sub-continent. No wonder then that tickets to the World Cup match at Adelaide were sold out in little less than 20 minutes. Expect the Indian tri-colour and the Pakistani green to be waved with pride although over the years, fans from both sides have thankfully learnt to have a mutual sense of respect for each other.