World Cup 2023 | How Can India Beat Pakistan In Ahmedabad?

image-lnoaiizrIndia will take on Pakistan in Ahmedabad on Saturday [AP]

After securing emphatic victories in their first two matches, India would like to sustain their dream run in the 2023 World Cup when they take on arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-octane clash on Saturday. The iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will serve as the battleground, where both teams will play their heart out to thump their arch-rivals. 

Regarding India, the Men in Blue have had a stunning head-to-head record against Pakistan in World Cups, having won all seven face-offs between 1992 and 2019. As Rohit Sharma's men look to extend their lead to eight-nil, let's analyse and find how they can succeed in this mission. 


How Can India Beat Pakistan In Ahmedabad?

Don't give early wickets to Shaheen Afridi

Since making his ODI debut, Shaheen Afridi has been a prolific performer for Pakistan, scalping 88 wickets in just 46 appearances at an incredible average of 24. The left-arm seamer is a certain threat to the Indian top-order as he can trouble them with pace and movement. Therefore, it will be essential for the Indian top-order batters to adopt a cautious approach and neutralise Afridi's new ball spell in the power play. 


Dismiss Mohammad Rizwan cheaply

image-lnoanhjkMohammad Rizwan in action [AP]

Although Pakistan's top three, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam, have disappointed them to the core, keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan's batting form has been a massive positive for them. Rizwan, who recently hammered a fighting 131* against Sri Lanka, has amassed 394 runs at a magnificent average of 131.33 since the Asia Cup 2023. 

So, losing Rizwan early could undoubtedly open the floodgates for Pakistan, enabling India to rip through their batting order. Ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya could be India's go-to man to execute it, as Rizwan averages only 13.5 against him in international cricket. 


Keep the basics right, target PAK spinners

Pakistan have always had a formidable bowling unit, and it's no exception this time around. Shaheen Afridi will certainly test India with pace and movement, while Haris Rauf will make it tough to score for the Indian batters with his pacy, hard-length bowling. 

So, every Indian batter must respect the good deliveries and frustrate Pakistan with resilience. It's a 50-over game, so they should keep patience and wait for the bad deliveries to capitalise on the Ahmedabad surface. Also, India should target Pakistan's spin unit, comprising Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, as they did in the Asia Cup Super Four game. 


Take a bold call, bat first

Last but not the least, India should look to bat first despite knowing the fact that New Zealand crushed England while chasing at the same venue in the World Cup opener. It's a high-pressure game, so chasing might be tricky as the new ball will move under the lights. Also, Pakistan is not generally known as a great chasing team, so India can take advantage by putting a mammoth total on the board if they win the toss.