Team India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan after almost a year when the two sides face off in the Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai on Sunday (August 28). The last time the two sides met, Babar Azam’s Pakistan registered a massive 10-wicket win over Virat Kohli-led India in the T20 World Cup 2021.
This time, once again it will be for Rohit Sharma’s team to break the Pakistan opening partnership of captain Babar and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan early. “They should always be concerned about this top-order, but the difference is that it’s probably one of the least unpredictable. Does that make them the most predictable team I can remember for Pakistan? Because I have to. They seem to have adopted a culture of how they want to play the game and I think it works for them, while India I think are still exploring a bit,” said former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris. Said news show ‘Sports Over the Top’ on Sports Daily of SPORTS18.
“So if you just look at the side, they trust this guy here a lot, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, because if they take them at the beginning, there’s a lot of power to come. So, They will look to the base of this world and then to Fakhar Zaman to provide all that power which is also a left-handed variety.
“I think coming in and maybe attacking the spinners especially, I think can work in Pakistan’s favour. So the key for India is to break that opening partnership, for Pakistan to make those middle-order players do what they don’t want to do and instead of just getting out there and getting hit is really at the back,” Styris said. Told.
Styris talks about attitude and mindset ahead India should have gone to the Asia Cup, “Well, as we know, India has a very strong T20 league as well. I think it’s the ability to come together and play the style and brand of cricket that best suits your players. I thought this was the big move that India missed in the last T20 World Cup as it took them almost two matches.
“The two losses they suffered before going after the opposition, they impose themselves with the talent and skill they have got. I want to see India do that in this Asia Cup. I want them to impose themselves on other teams and they have the ability to do that, I think they have the ability to beat everyone including Pakistan in this Asia Cup.
pic.twitter.com/hyAMCQU8eu— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) 24 August 2022
“But if they want to play this game with the attitude in the middle, I don’t think that’s going to happen. I think that’s where Pakistan understood things a little bit more. So yeah, they have a great one.” T20 is competition, but so does India. I don’t think it’s going to be the deciding moment or factor in this match,” Styris said.
Styris also spoke about the finishing ability of Pakistan’s batting order. “Oh 100 percent. Let’s be clear – if you’re not a great player then you don’t play at this level and yes, there’s a gray area on what grade it is. But these players are fantastic cricketers in their day. All are young and they are coming and some of them are a little inexperienced.
“You have all the varieties that are their game at the moment. However, there is a lot of skill. So, India are on top with their injuries and Bumrah has credibility especially in terms of the ball. With the players under a bit more pressure. So, I would be a little wary of this Pakistan’s ability to shut down. Especially if they can make it to No. 8 in their batting order which allows them to play with consistent freedom, Styris said.