Which side will win the iconic India versus Pakistan clash on 23 October in the ICC T20 World Cup?

[MenInG]

So, both sides look in good shape although Pakistan have looked decidedly weak in certain areas.

Lots of analysis happening for this game but time to put your patriotism on the side and tell us who will win this encounter, which could well set the tone for the rest of the tournament for both sides

 

[MenInG]

Mohammad Nawaz:

"We have been playing good cricket in recent times and done well in crunch games including ones against England in the series win today, all that has given us a lot of confidence and our preparation is complete, and we will do our best and play the game against India just like any other game we play"

"The idea is not to have in our head that this is a game against India - the idea is to prepare well and then execute what we have prepared in the match"

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

India will win this match because it is our second home.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Isn't this at the G? In last 5 years in the BBL, MCG has proven to be a very even venue with 51% sides winning while batting first and 49 % winning batting second

Toss won't have any bearing on the result here.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Isn't this at the G? In last 5 years in the BBL, MCG has proven to be a very even venue with 51% sides winning while batting first and 49 % winning batting second

Toss won't have any bearing on the result here.

Good. Toss won't be used as an excuse by fans of both(mostly indians) the teams then.

 

[The lone Ranger]

With Shaheen and fakhar coming back to the side, am 99% sure that Pakistan should and will win this one. India have a very weak bowling attack for T20IS which put the batters under huge pressure to score big or chase a huge total. But in any other formats in these conditions, I would back India to win with their batting alone regardless of what bowlers they play.

 

[Ab Fan]

Pakistan are favourites but India may turn things around like a silent assassin since they are going under radar these days.

 

[Ahmed216]

The nature of format is very unpredictable. A weak side on paper like India can defeat Pakistan on a given day.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Good. Toss won't be used as an excuse by fans of both(mostly indians) the teams then.

Even Sky Sports analysts like Nasser mentioned toss advantage at Dubai not just Indian fans.

 

[jattafridi]

I think India will win King Kohli Sky and hardik

If India Bat first 189

Pakistan 166

If Pakistan bat first 175

India 176/6

 

[SamNJ]

If it is not rained out then Pakistan shall win. India has only 1 good batsman who is in form and is suited for this format that is Surya. Pakistan shall be able to restrict India for less than 170 and back themselves to chase it agaisnt a poor attack.
If Pakistan bat first they should target 165 and India will crumble.

 

[Madplayer]

If it is not rained out then Pakistan shall win. India has only 1 good batsman who is in form and is suited for this format that is Surya. Pakistan shall be able to restrict India for less than 170 and back themselves to chase it agaisnt a poor attack.
If Pakistan bat first they should target 165 and India will crumble.

Is rain predicted on that day?

 

[Rajdeep]

The jinxing attempt by some posters here is silly, we need to call spade a spade. Anyone understands cricket would know Pakistan is a better T20 side at present man to man and should start as favorite.

They have got better new ball bowlers, better death bowlers, better spinners and better openers compared to India. The only area where India is ahead is middle order. So it is 4:1 in Pakistan's favor man to man. Even then Pakistan's middle order suddenly clicking with Nawaz's form and Haidar Ali, Shadab etc.

Non availability of Bumrah (4th ranked most impact T20 player as per Wisden) on Australian grounds is a huge loss. Not saying we would have won with him but our bowling would have looked ten times better.

Since 2003 WC, when tides actually change in India's favour on these Indo-Pak encounters, this will be the first time Pakistan would start as favourite.

#FACT

 

[Madplayer]

As long as India have Rohit Sharma and Kohli, they will always advantage over Pakistan because of these players' ability to single handedly take the game away.

I'd say its almost even stevens this time with 55-45 in favour of India before the start of the match.

If Rohit falls early (before the 3rd over) this will turn into 60-40 in favour of Pakistan.

If Kohli falls early as well (in the powerplay) it will become 70-30 in favour of Pakistan.

The rest of their players dont have it in them to challenge Pakistan's bowling or put a formidable score for Pakistan's batting to chase. Many of them are bottlers as well.

A LOT depends on Shaheen's opening spell.

 

[IAJ]

Pakistan are favourites but India may turn things around like a silent assassin since they are going under radar these days.

Oh no, don't you even try. India favourites. Any other result will be an upset.

 

[Sarwar89]

Weather forecast is not bad, It will be cloudy British type weather which will suit our bowlers.

From their side Bhuvneshwar will be a threat as weather will help him seam a bit but he is past his best.

No chance of rained out, or even a reduced match as rain is expected in morning time.

It could be a damp low scoring event, Pakistani pacers will do the job on Indian team and will win. I feel Indian top batting line up has that fear factor from Shaheen & it will play in their minds.

They went all guns blazing in super 4 match in Asia cup with Jayasurita type start & still lost with no Shaheen at that time, i think that match severely shifted the momentum of Pakistan’s dominance on India at MCG.

One can notice this time there is no mauka mauka song updated version from their main media.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Indiaaaaa!

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

India will win.

 

[Ab Fan]

As long as India have Rohit Sharma and Kohli, they will always advantage over Pakistan because of these players' ability to single handedly take the game away.

I'd say its almost even stevens this time with 55-45 in favour of India before the start of the match.

If Rohit falls early (before the 3rd over) this will turn into 60-40 in favour of Pakistan.

If Kohli falls early as well (in the powerplay) it will become 70-30 in favour of Pakistan.

The rest of their players dont have it in them to challenge Pakistan's bowling or put a formidable score for Pakistan's batting to chase. Many of them are bottlers as well.

A LOT depends on Shaheen's opening spell.

Rohit has pathetic record vs Pakistan in T20s.

 

[Ab Fan]

Indian players with poor record vs Pakistan in T20s:

Rohit Sharma
KL Rahul
Surya Kumar Yadav
Bhuvi Kumar

Those with good record vs Pakistan in T20s:-

Virat Kohli
Hardik Pandya
Rishabh Pant( scored 30+ and saved collapse when India looked like getting bowled out for less than 54)

Others haven't really played enough. Don't recall DK much.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Pakistan are favourites but India may turn things around like a silent assassin since they are going under radar these days.

India are favorites. Some of you always play safe in threads like these and show their true colors after India win the match against Pakistan. Asia Cup's first encounter between India and Pakistan is a pretty good example of that.

 

[MenInG]

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are currently two of the best T20 batters in the world. The opening combine's performance is crucial to Pakistan's chances at the T20 World Cup. So, when Pakistan face India in their opening game of the marquee event in Melbourne, all eyes will be on the duo. Former India allrounder Irfan spoke on how the Indian bowlers should face the likes of Babar and Rizwan in the much-anticipated clash.

"Don't give them any width whatsoever, especially Rizwan, because he's the guy who takes the Powerplay on his shoulders. Just try to get the pace going. Babar takes his time. So, you need to be aware of those situations and those batters," Pathan said on Star Sports.

"First of all, the line has to be on the stumps, with tight lines. And with both batters, the length changes slightly. When it comes to Rizwan, you can afford to bowl more fuller. You can try to hit him beneath the knee roll. This is where your line and length can be.

"And when it comes to Babar Aazam, you need to get him out LBW, but your aim should not be on his front leg, it should be behind his leg because he's slightly open. See, you need to make that kind of planning. This is where Arshdeep and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar come in with that in-swinging delivery. We need to be aware that Pakistan are not very good with spin bowling. So, you need to keep an eye whether you can give one odd over to spinners in the Powerplay. You know, I'll be very tempted to see what the team management is doing."

Pakistan recently entered the final of the Asia Cup, while India were out from the Super 4 stage. Sri Lanka were the eventual winners of the continental event.

NDTV

 

[cerebralrattlesnake]

50-50

 

[ex-q-zit]

I think India have the upper hand. The last 3 matches were played in Dubai where toss played a huge factor All 3 matches were won by the team batting second thanks to dew. But toss factor will be nuetralized down under. Shaheen bowled an extrordinary spell to help Pak win last year but this time arpund Rohit and co. will come prepared just like Naseem bowled well in Asia cup 1st match. In the next encounter he was dispatched to all parts of the ground.

 

[castortroy]

The Toss will decide the outcome of this game

Chasing team will inevitably win

 

[CricVet]

As long as India have Rohit Sharma and Kohli, they will always advantage over Pakistan because of these players' ability to single handedly take the game away.

I'd say its almost even stevens this time with 55-45 in favour of India before the start of the match.

If Rohit falls early (before the 3rd over) this will turn into 60-40 in favour of Pakistan.

If Kohli falls early as well (in the powerplay) it will become 70-30 in favour of Pakistan.

The rest of their players dont have it in them to challenge Pakistan's bowling or put a formidable score for Pakistan's batting to chase. Many of them are bottlers as well.

A LOT depends on Shaheen's opening spell.

Well put. Kohli is the main threat against Pak, but of course Sharma can be threatening as well. There won't be much movement in AU, but bounce will be much in favor of Pak which might generate some catching chances that we can't afford to drop.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Pakistan definitely due to much better bowling attack. Any inadequacy in Pakistan's batting will be neutralized by rubbish trundlers from India. Several serial failures are part of the line up. Kohli is totally washed up. Don't get fooled by his 100 against Afghanistan. DK clicks 1 out of every 10 match.

 

[alone1213]

I would love Pakistan to win this match so much and they certainly can win.
Pakistan have got the best bowling attack in this tournament.They have every base covered.

HOPEFULLY PAKISTAN TROUNCE INDIA JUST LIKE PREVIOUS WORLD CUP.

LET'S GO PAKISTAN!!!

 

[Smbhayi]

As long as India have Rohit Sharma and Kohli, they will always advantage over Pakistan because of these players' ability to single handedly take the game away.

India's success on this tourney will depend on Yadav's performance.. don't think Rohit and Kohli will have a good tournament..

 

[Smbhayi]

India are favorites. Some of you always play safe in threads like these and show their true colors after India win the match against Pakistan. Asia Cup's first encounter between India and Pakistan is a pretty good example of that.

To me Pak is favourite to this match.. india have a very very weak bowling line up for Australian condition..

 

[Raja111]

I don't think the Toss will be a big factor at the Mcg as the recent stats suggest that it's 50% the teams chasing have won.

On paper it looks Pakistan have better squad compared to India for this T20I World Cup. So I would say It's 60-40 in Pakistan's favour.

Batting : India - 85 vs Pakistan - 75

Top order - Pakistan are slightly better
Middle order - Ind are comfortably better

Bowling : India - 60 vs Pakistan - 80

Pace bowling - There's no comparison
Spin bowling - Both are Equal

Overall : India 72.5 vs Pakistan 77.5

Pakistan have 2 good Openers, a couple of Good new Ball bowler combined with a better death over bowler and a couple of decent all-rounders who can hit big. India have a decent top order, a good big hitter and a couple of good finishers.

 

[Bilal7]

InshaAllah, Pakistan will win.

India have the advantage though. Unlike Pakistan, they've been in Australia for weeks and would be better used to the conditions than our boys. We also have two crucial players coming back from injury while India have a fully fit squad, with the exception of Bumrah, who is a trundler against us anyways.

If Pakistan wins, all of you are welcome to my place for some classic, Karachi biryani.

 

[Bilal7]

I don't think the Toss will be a big factor at the Mcg as the recent stats suggest that it's 50% the teams chasing have won.

On paper it looks Pakistan have better squad compared to India for this T20I World Cup. So I would say It's 60-40 in Pakistan's favour.

Batting : India - 85 vs Pakistan - 75

Top order - Pakistan are slightly better
Middle order - Ind are comfortably better

Bowling : India - 60 vs Pakistan - 80

Pace bowling - There's no comparison
Spin bowling - Both are Equal

Overall : India 72.5 vs Pakistan 77.5

Pakistan have 2 good Openers, a couple of Good new Ball bowler combined with a better death over bowler and a couple of decent all-rounders who can hit big. India have a decent top order, a good big hitter and a couple of good finishers.

Pak vs India is as much about the mental aspect as it is about which team is better.

It's a 50/50 game.

 

[Kriketer]

Get a feeling India will win this one and Virat will once again charge the innings while others will give in to our pacers. If India bats first and while chasing one of Babar or Rizwan get out in first 2 overs, it will likely be over for us due to pressure.

Regardless of this game's outcome, counting on Pakistan to make it to the semis.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Seems like there will be weather intervention surrounded by a lot of rainy days. May be shortened game?

 

[Sherazkhalid]

It be India batting vs Pakistan bowling, if we reduce India to less than PAR score, (assuming PAR is 180-190), ideally around 165-170 we will have a very realistic chance, more than that it is India as we can always depend on our batting to even bottle the 150 chase. I still feel India are slight favorites.

 

[ChTab]

It won't be like DSC where bowl first means wining the match unless you're facing S.L in the Asia Cup final.

MCG has a win ratio of 50% for batting second which means Pakistan is certain to lose this game because if we won the toss & bat first Riz&Bab will score a Par score like 150 & India will win the match because they have much better batting & if Ind won the toss & bat firsts they will post a score of 175+ which in Aus is way out of Pakistan's reach.

 

[jnaveen1980]

It be India batting vs Pakistan bowling, if we reduce India to less than PAR score, (assuming PAR is 180-190), ideally around 165-170 we will have a very realistic chance, more than that it is India as we can always depend on our batting to even bottle the 150 chase. I still feel India are slight favorites.

MCG used to produce 190 plus games. Nowadays par score 175.

 

[ChTab]

It be India batting vs Pakistan bowling, if we reduce India to less than PAR score, (assuming PAR is 180-190), ideally around 165-170 we will have a very realistic chance, more than that it is India as we can always depend on our batting to even bottle the 150 chase. I still feel India are slight favorites.

180-190 is not the par score at MCG it's around 160-170 & this Pak team is not going to chase anything above 150

 

[Bilal7]

/ - RHB
\ - LHB
○ - Spin
● - Seam

Pakistan's most likely team:

1) Babar (c) /
2) Rizwan (wk) /
3) Fakhar \
4) Nawaz ● \
5) Haider /
6) Iftikhar / ●
7) Shadab ● /
8) Asif/Wasim/Hasnain
9) Rauf ○
10) Naseem ○
11) Shaheen ○

India's most likely team:

1) Rohit (c) /
2) Rahul /
3) Kohli /
4) SKY /
5) Pant (wk) \
6) Pandya / ○
7) Axar ○ /
8) Ashwin ○ /
9) Kumar ●
10) Chahal ○
11) Arshdeep ●

Combined team:

1) Babar (c)
2) Rizwan
3) Kohli
4) SKY
5) Pant (wk)
6) Pandya
7) Nawaz
8) Shadab
9) Rauf
10) Shaheen
11) Kumar

 

[Rana]

Gonna be a cracker

India are favourites but Pakistan won’t die easy

 

[ftbno1]

I am putting some money on Pakistan. If India wins I am happy to loose some amount for my motherland.
If Pakistan win I will atleast have something to cheer about.
Win-Win

 

[jnaveen1980]

Gonna be a cracker

India are favourites but Pakistan won’t die easy

Pakistan has the ideal bowlers for MCG. May not be the ideal bastmen. But India's lack of pace will help them breathe easy

 

[Bilal7]

A shortened game would suck (unless we win, of course).

People may finally get to see someone else opening for Pakistan.

 

[Madplayer]

Rohit has pathetic record vs Pakistan in T20s.

That doesnt matter. I'm talking purely based on ability. Rohit has scored some runs in ODIs against Pakistan's attack for instance. It's about ability.

 

[Kriketer]

Seems like there will be weather intervention surrounded by a lot of rainy days. May be shortened game?

Would rather take equal points then see a shortened game. Game becomes a joke

 

[Madplayer]

India's success on this tourney will depend on Yadav's performance.. don't think Rohit and Kohli will have a good tournament..

I'm predicting that SKY is going to have an average to poor tournament.

Rohit and Kohli enjoy bounce. Kohli isnt the same as before so he might have ups and downs in the tournament but I will be seriously surprised if Rohit has a bad t20 world cup.

 

[Minnowbasher]

On paper Pakistan's batting line-up looks like the worst it's ever been, but we've been performing well recently. Also, this side seems to be over the India complex now as we managed to beat them in the Asia cup and even in the match we lost, it was a well fought game.

It's 50 50, I'm worried about Pakistan's lack of ability to play the short ball and considering Australia has the bounciest wickets in the world I wouldn't be surprised to see a proper mauling of Pakistan on the 23rd.

Insha Allah, we will find a way to pull through though.

 

[fieldMarshal]

Rain

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

India have far more experience in Australia, Virat is also in form.

The big ground will also impact our openers, especially Rizwan, who cant rely on his go to pickup shot to clear the boundary

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Is rain predicted on that day?

Yes, its going to very wet summer in Australia, already there are severe floods in Victoria and NSW.

They havent updated for Sunday yet, but best place to keep track of the forecast is on the Bureau of Meteorology website - http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/melbourne.shtml

I suspect if there is a game it will be shortened

 

[dildilpak]

After almost two decades, Pakistan go into a WC game against India as the clearly superior team.
Pak has a gun bowling attack. In contrast, this seems like one of the weakest bowling attacks fielded by India -- on par with their 90s trundlers.
India's batting seems better than Pakistan -- but has a lot of big names with suspect form.
But probably only a 60/40 advantage for Pakistan -- because it is T20 and one great innings or over can change the course of the game. Best hope for India is to chase -- let Babar and Rizwan bat long and have Pakistan set them a 170-ish target.
Either way, I don't think India can win the T20 cup with this attack. Seems like Rahul Dravid/Rohit Sharma have some pretty poor instincts when it comes to team selection. They had almost a year to plan for this event and had zero pace back up for Bumrah. On the flip side, Pakistan also unlikely to win the WC because of a joke batting line up. But at least in their defense they did not shoot themselves in the foot and this is pretty much the best that they could have chosen.
Ultimately two flawed teams, tying to prove who is less mediocre.

 

[sam_ahm]

I think Pakistan do start as slight favourites.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Pakistan is one of the 3 sides who have very strong chances simply based on the make up if the squad and the first XI.

It is a very professionally constructed XI with ability to meet any match up requirements .

India has a specialist offspinner in a T20 squad, no left hand batsman to take down left arm spin or wrist spin, no bowlers who bowl well at left handed batters, no death bowlers etc.

The only Indians who think India are favourites are those who are incapable of understanding as evidenced in this thread itself or completely delusional ones

 

[Sarwar89]

Yes, its going to very wet summer in Australia, already there are severe floods in Victoria and NSW.

They havent updated for Sunday yet, but best place to keep track of the forecast is on the Bureau of Meteorology website - http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/melbourne.shtml

I suspect if there is a game it will be shortened

As per reports it will be maximum 16 degrees and minimum 11 degrees during match time in Melbourne.

Chance of rain 30%

 

[Suleiman]

Pakistan is one of the 3 sides who have very strong chances simply based on the make up if the squad and the first XI.

It is a very professionally constructed XI with ability to meet any match up requirements .

India has a specialist offspinner in a T20 squad, no left hand batsman to take down left arm spin or wrist spin, no bowlers who bowl well at left handed batters, no death bowlers etc.

The only Indians who think India are favourites are those who are incapable of understanding as evidenced in this thread itself or completely delusional ones

Come on man. Between our two sides, India has the better batting lineup, no questions. We are having to depend on not 1 but 2 bowling allrounders to fulfill the role of 2 specialist middle order batsmen, when other teams have guys like Russow, Miller, Stoinis, Livingstone, Brook, etc.

To their credit, Shadab and Nawaz have done well so far, but it’s still a tad unfair with the expectations on them.

And then we also have an opening pair that is high on its stats. The aggression they showed last year is nowhere to be seen anymore as they cautiously nudge the ball around to maintain an average of near 50.

It’s going to be a cracker of a game.

I think CT17 was a turning point in Pak / India clashes and the overall results tally since have not been one sided as it had been from 2011-2016 in tournaments

 

[Markhor]

Last year I thought India would win, so will go India again especially with their experience of Aussie conditions

 

[CricVet]

I do not believe forecasts this far out. Hoping to have a full game.

If it is wet and cold, I hope we won't drop catches as what we have seen in NZ.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Pakistan is one of the 3 sides who have very strong chances simply based on the make up if the squad and the first XI.

It is a very professionally constructed XI with ability to meet any match up requirements .

India has a specialist offspinner in a T20 squad, no left hand batsman to take down left arm spin or wrist spin, no bowlers who bowl well at left handed batters, no death bowlers etc.

The only Indians who think India are favourites are those who are incapable of understanding as evidenced in this thread itself or completely delusional ones

Lot of times it will start as underdogs and finish on a high note. This time they will start as underdogs and finish as underdogs. I don't see a path for India to make it past first round. It will required opposition making some serious mistakes like dropping dollies, misfielding.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Last year I thought India would win, so will go India again especially with their experience of Aussie conditions

Lot of Indians bat well in Australia even lower order. Because most of them (bar Iyer) are very good players f short bowling. But they are mostly in Test matches. Not in T20Is.

 

[Bilal7]

Pakistan is one of the 3 sides who have very strong chances simply based on the make up if the squad and the first XI.

It is a very professionally constructed XI with ability to meet any match up requirements .

India has a specialist offspinner in a T20 squad, no left hand batsman to take down left arm spin or wrist spin, no bowlers who bowl well at left handed batters, no death bowlers etc.

The only Indians who think India are favourites are those who are incapable of understanding as evidenced in this thread itself or completely delusional ones

Ashwin can bat and last time I checked, he's fantastic against left-handers. They also have Pant and Arshdeep is a good death bowler.

Plus, they have plenty of positives that other teams do not. Kohli, SKY and Pandya are three of the best players in the world.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Come on man. Between our two sides, India has the better batting lineup, no questions. We are having to depend on not 1 but 2 bowling allrounders to fulfill the role of 2 specialist middle order batsmen, when other teams have guys like Russow, Miller, Stoinis, Livingstone, Brook, etc.

To their credit, Shadab and Nawaz have done well so far, but it’s still a tad unfair with the expectations on them.

And then we also have an opening pair that is high on its stats. The aggression they showed last year is nowhere to be seen anymore as they cautiously nudge the ball around to maintain an average of near 50.

It’s going to be a cracker of a game.

I think CT17 was a turning point in Pak / India clashes and the overall results tally since have not been one sided as it had been from 2011-2016 in tournaments

Talk of consistent quality is a bit overrated in this format. I'll agree that in terms of batsmanship the likes of SKY, Kohli and Rohit are higher than most Pakistani batters .

But consider the actual output possible. Pakistan can literally bowl 8 overs of shadab and Nawaz in tandem in ge middle and none of those guys can take them down at a high strike rate .

So what's the point then? These are the small battles that actually matter. On the other hand - Nawaz, Shadab and Haider Ali can destroy spin and Pakistan have finally figured out a way to maximize batting output and give depth upto number 8.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Pakistan is one of the 3 sides who have very strong chances simply based on the make up if the squad and the first XI.

It is a very professionally constructed XI with ability to meet any match up requirements .

India has a specialist offspinner in a T20 squad, no left hand batsman to take down left arm spin or wrist spin, no bowlers who bowl well at left handed batters, no death bowlers etc.

The only Indians who think India are favourites are those who are incapable of understanding as evidenced in this thread itself or completely delusional ones

This is an old and boring strategy. Saying Pakistan are favorites before the game and when they do win their match against India, give the toss excuse.

 

[fight_club]

Rain would not be a bother if one believe Accuweather which I found consistent with Melbourne weather forecast by their local forecast.

I don't think any side start as favorite here, both have flaws, key will be how Pakistan middle order perform
India will also come out firing in PP and wouldn't want likes of Shaheen and Naseem to settle down

 

[Nikhil_cric]

This is an old and boring strategy. Saying Pakistan are favorites before the game and when they do win their match against India, give the toss excuse.

Didn't expect you to understand any of it anyway , BVB

 

[jnaveen1980]

MCG will be a spectacle when the crowd size is big. Only Babar has played there 2 internationals. Kohli 12 internationals, Rohit 12, Ashwin 9, Shami 6, DK 3, Pant 3,

 

[IMMY69]

Pakistan will win this game.
I expect Pakistan to go very far in this tournament.

 

[Badboy_1]

Rain will win

 

[AZulfi]

India no longer has that psychological advantage over Pakistan that they enjoyed for almost a decade pre-2017. Pakistan has beaten them consistently in international tournaments since then. CT 17, World T20 21, and Asia Cup 22.

On paper batting, wise India has the edge. more quality in the middle order.
Pakistan's bowling is much better.

In the end it essentially comes down to how you perform on the day; how you handle the pressure etc.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

The fact that it going to take place in Australia makes India big favorites. We have done historically very poor in Australia and have only played 4 t20is there. Plus Australia is one place where we tour the least and a lot of guys are not familiar with the conditions and symmetries there.

I would still want Pak to win.

 

[Ozeirk]

India will be favorites to win regardless of how much the Indian fans try to downplay them. Rizwan and Babar still remain the biggest threat to India. India will employ spinners against the openers to neutralize them but I am sure Babar is aware of it.

India will also come prepared against Pakistan bowling. Rohit will try a much open stance so he can counter the inswingers from Shaheen. They will try to go after everyone other than Shaheen and maybe Haris.

Shaheen is a big question mark as we will have to see if he will be at his best after a long layover and injury.

 

[Ab Fan]

If India can see of Shaheen, Haris and Shadab and the initial spell of Naseem, we can take on others and get to 156-161 total.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

I hope Pakistani middle order show up and at least try to win.

Our bowling should be strengthened if Shaheen is healthy.

Insha'Allah Pakistan will deliver an epic phainta to India!

 

[IamIndian]

India no longer has that psychological advantage over Pakistan that they enjoyed for almost a decade pre-2017. Pakistan has beaten them consistently in international tournaments since then. CT 17, World T20 21, and Asia Cup 22.

On paper batting, wise India has the edge. more quality in the middle order.
Pakistan's bowling is much better.

In the end it essentially comes down to how you perform on the day; how you handle the pressure etc.

lol @ your consistency! India has beaten Pakistan Twice in Asia cup 2018, once in WC 2019 and Once in Asia cup 2022, that is 4 matches won by India and 3 matches won by Pakistan including Final of CT 2017!

 

[jnaveen1980]

Chahal has good memories at the MCG. Took 6 for 42 in a one dayer won MOM. Hope he doesn't bowl like a phattu bowler

 

[The lone Ranger]

lol @ your consistency! India has beaten Pakistan Twice in Asia cup 2018, once in WC 2019 and Once in Asia cup 2022, that is 4 matches won by India and 3 matches won by Pakistan including Final of CT 2017!

Add Ct17 league match too. India have won 4 ODIs and a T20I. Pak have won 2 T20IS and 1 ODI. I think what he meant is unlike the pre-2017, Both have been neck and neck and their levels are very close to each other and have an equal chance of winning.

 

[Ab Fan]

lol @ your consistency! India has beaten Pakistan Twice in Asia cup 2018, once in WC 2019 and Once in Asia cup 2022, that is 4 matches won by India and 3 matches won by Pakistan including Final of CT 2017!

Yes, even if we count from CT'17 onwards:

CT'17 final - Pak
Asia Cup 2018 - India won twice
World Cup 2019 - India won
WT20 2021- Pak
Asia Cup 2022- 1-1

4-3 India are still ahead. If you count CT overall, then 5-3 India.

 

[The lone Ranger]

Indian batsmen are at a huge disadvantage due to their bowling attack. They have to score huge against a quality bowling attack and it's even more difficult if it swings due to the wet conditions as Pak bowlers are well capable of taking advantage of the conditions unlike the Indian trundlers the Pakistani batsmen can easily score or chase 200+ against them.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Indian batsmen are at a huge disadvantage due to their bowling attack. They have to score huge against a quality bowling attack and it's even more difficult if it swings due to the wet conditions as Pak bowlers are well capable of taking advantage of the conditions unlike the Indian trundlers the Pakistani batsmen can easily score or chase 200+ against them.

India's only chance is when it swings. Pretty much everyone in this line up can swing. They ran riot against SA atleast twice, once against England (Bumrah 6 for 19). I want India to defend not chase at the MCG.

 

[The lone Ranger]

India's only chance is when it swings. Pretty much everyone in this line up can swing. They ran riot against SA atleast twice, once against England (Bumrah 6 for 19). I want India to defend not chase at the MCG.

But If it swings, don't you think it's better to bowl first as it will mostly be game over for the team that bat first ?