India take on Pakistan in the all important encounter in Group 2 of ICC World T20

As if the rivalry between the two countries wasn’t enough, with the qualification to the next round at stake, it promises to be a thrilling encounter between these two neighboring countries.

Pakistan have started their tournament well by registering a huge victory over Bangladesh. Their top order has clicked and the way Hafeez and Afridi played is a good sign for their team. India on the other hand, after having boasted of having the strongest batting lineup, crumpled courtesy of some good bowling by the New Zealanders. The bowling for the Indians looked pretty good whereas the Pakistani bowling did not seem upto the mark as the Bangladeshis were able to score quick runs even though they eventually lost the match by quite some margin.

There is no doubt that the Indians have been rattled early on in the tournament. However that shouldn’t be reason to worry a big deal because it was one of those rare days that the batting just didn’t click. A couple of unfortunate dismissals did not help their case, and the Indians still managed to look to be in contention till MS Dhoni was at the crease. And it isn’t every day that a batting lineup like this, with so much experience in their ranks, is likely to collapse. However the Pakistan team will be wary of the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian squad after the recently concluded Asia Cup, and they will look to learn from their mistakes. Given that a win will be crucial to them being able to qualify to the next round, the Pakistan will be all fired up, and the tensions between the two countries will just boost them even more.

Overall, we are guaranteed a good encounter between the two teams. Hopefully the pitch will not be manipulated to try and suit the Indians, which goes against the Indians themselves more times than nought, and a normal ideal pitch for T20 cricket will be prepared which will ensure a good game of cricket. It will also give the Indians a bit of an edge given their batting and bowling lineups, and the high intensity and crowd support will only work in their favour.