A match between India and Pakistan is always treated as a blockbuster clash despite the one-sided domination from the Men in Blue. Nonetheless, the two sides are set to take stage once again this time under severe scrutiny after the two nations were involved in a four-day military conflict earlier this year in the aftermath of the tragic attacks on Pahalgam.
Bilateral cricket between the rivals has long been suspended, with meetings restricted to multi-nation tournaments. Political ties have worsened since the May clashes, and calls for India to boycott the fixture surfaced in recent weeks. With the BCCI confirming participation, the Group A encounter is now set to go ahead, and anticipation is soaring.
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On paper, India enters as the firm favourites. The reigning T20 world champions look formidable with the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and opener Shubman Gill. They underlined their dominance by thrashing the United Arab Emirates in their opener, bowling them out for just 57 before chasing the target in under five overs.
Pakistan, meanwhile, began with a comfortable win against Oman, but questions remain over their batting consistency. The side is also missing two of its most experienced campaigners in Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. However, they will draw confidence from their recent T20 tri-series triumph in the UAE, where they overcame Afghanistan and Oman.
While India will be determined to build momentum in their title defence, Pakistan will see this as an opportunity to make a statement against the tournament favourites. With high stakes on the field and emotions running even higher off it, another dramatic chapter in the storied rivalry awaits.
Pitch Report
It is suggested that one of the centre pitches would be put to use for this match, and Shivam Dube, after the game against UAE, suggested that the pitch is a tad slow but could get better as the game goes on. From the previous games, there is significant turn on offer. Expect the spinners to play a key role, but once nightfall hits, dew could play a bigger role in the game.
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When will the IND vs PAK match begin?
The toss is set to take place at 7:30 PM IST, and the match will begin at 8:00 PM IST.
Where will the IND vs PAK match take place?
The match is being held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Where can I watch the IND vs PAK match on TV and online?
The match will be broadcast on the Sony Sports Network. In addition, the match will also be livestreamed on the SonyLIV app.
What do the squads look like for the IND vs PAK match?
India’s Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (VC), Suryakumar Yadav(C), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson(WK), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana
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Pakistan Squad: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris(WK), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(C), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed, Hussain Talat, Hasan Ali, Khushdil Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza
What is the probable playing 11 for the IND vs PAK match?
India’s Probable Playing 11: Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
Pakistan’s Probable Playing 11: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris(WK), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(C), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed
– Ends
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