India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in first of the two T20s at Bangalore. There is a lot of history between the two teams and after a long gap the two teams will take on each other in a bilateral series.
Both teams will be eager to get off to a winning start as it is a very important series. All eyes will be on this match as it has been one of the most awaited contests over the years.
India are coming on the back of a tough England series. MS Dhoni’s team was embarrassed in the Test series and could not win the T20 series as well. For Pakistan it is a golden opportunity to put themselves in the radar of the Indian audience. Some good cricket can help develop the relation between the two sides even further.
Both teams have some genuine match winners in their side, let’s have a look at some of them:
Yuvraj Singh: Yuvraj is always considered as a threat in this format. He was brilliant against England and was responsible for India winning one match and getting close to a win in the second. He was terrific with the ball and looked the best spinner on display. He was destructive with the bat in the first match and will be looking to do the same here.
Suresh Raina: Raina is a genuine match-winner in this format and batted very well against the Englishmen. He has the ability to play according to the situation and his rate of scoring runs is always impressive.
Ashoke Dinda: Dinda bowled well in patches against England. He had good figures in the first match but was disappointing in the second game. He had a chance to win the game for India but bowled a terrible last over.
R Ashwin: T20 cricket is Ashwin’s forte. His variation comes handy in the shortest format and he is more suited for this kind of cricket. He is going through very tough times and is struggling to pick any wickets. Ashwin will need to pull up his socks in this match.
Pakistan:
Kamran Akmal: Akmal is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the Pakistani line-up. Akmal likes lifting the bowlers over the top and is equally effective against both fast bowling and spinners.
Mohammed Hafeez: The captain will lead the charge for Pakistan. Hafeez is a very intelligent cricketer and has the ability to play according to the situation. He has been in some good bowling form and is one of the most economical bowlers going around.
Saeed Ajmal: He is probably the most dangerous bowler in world at the moment. Ajmal had a tremendous year in all the three formats and he is a genuine match winner. He loves a challenge and bowling against Indians will surely be a tough challenge.
Shahid Afridi: He might be struggling with the bat, but has been very effective with the ball. Afridi can turn a course of the match in his four overs. He has a lot of experience playing against the Indians and the Men-In-Blue will need to play him well in this match.
By Indian Sports News Network