India and Pakistan (PAK) are set to face each other in an intense World Cup match on Saturday, October 14, in Ahmedabad. India has the upper hand in both form and history, having won all seven World Cup games against their long-standing rivals. Pakistan will have to overcome the pressure and the crowd to achieve a significant upset.
To do that, Pakistan needs to have some smart strategies and execute them well. Here are three things they must do to beat India for the first time in an ODI World Cup game.
1. Rohit and Kohli: The Two Wickets Need in Powerplay
Pakistan’s first priority against India must be to get rid of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as soon as possible. Both are in superb form and have dominated PAK in the past. If they are allowed to settle, PAK will have no chance of winning.
Pakistan has seen some success in dismissing the two stars early, such as in the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy final. They need to repeat that performance and exploit India’s vulnerability when both Rohit and Kohli fail.
Pakistan’s left-arm pacers have troubled Kohli before, while Shaheen Afridi has dismissed both Rohit and Kohli twice each. His opening spell will be crucial for PAK to create pressure on India and hope for an upset.
2. Openers Need to Survive the New Ball and Build a Platform
Pakistan’s batting against the new ball will be another crucial phase of the game. They need to counter Jasprit Bumrah, who has been in excellent form and has taken early wickets in both games. Pakistan’s openers have to find their rhythm and put pressure on the Indian attack.
Pakistan has seen some success in scoring big in the powerplay against India, such as in the 2017 Champions Trophy final and the recent ODI series against Australia. A good start will also expose India’s weak links, such as Shardul Thakur and the spinners, on a flat pitch.
Therefore, Pakistan’s openers have a big responsibility to set the tone for the chase or the defense. They have to survive Bumrah’s spell and score freely against the other bowlers.
3. Pakistan Should Go With an Extra Pacer Against India
Pakistan should replace one of their spinners, Mohammad Nawaz or Shadab Khan, with right-arm pacer Mohammad Wasim. Both spinners have been ineffective and expensive in recent games, especially Nawaz. Wasim can bowl well at the death and add depth to the batting.
The pitch at Ahmedabad is expected to favor pace more than spin, so PAK will benefit from having an extra seamer. Wasim can also support Shaheen Afridi, who can bowl longer with the new ball and target India’s top order.
Therefore, PAK should make this tactical change to strengthen their bowling and balance their team.
