CT Ind v Pak: A Rare Clash on the Cards, What Do the Cards Foretell?

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Sreelata YellamrazuSep 25 2009

This particular clash may not have the euphoria of a typical Indo-Pak cricket match. But the dip is only marginal, and certainly enough to make this a Saturday much awaited.

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Such is the mood of revenge running through the blood of the Pakistan captain, Younis Khan, that although he allowed his deputy, Shahid Afridi, to lead Pakistan to victory against West Indies, even a fractured hand is apparently not going to stop him from making the line up in the crucial Group A clash in the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

While the Indian captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, praised the Pakistan captain for his bravery, he was perhaps hoping to hit two birds with one stone stating that Pakistan may jeopardize their strength with an under strength captain.

But Dhoni has plenty to worry about apart from Younis, who is looking to be a match winner himself. Without the likes of Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh, Dhoni has lost part time bowlers but also, batsmen who can take the attack to the opposition. While he still has the resources of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, Dhoni does not have the young brigade in full force, something he has become accustomed to relying comfortably on.

It will be interesting to see if India do go brave and decide playing two spinners for the match at Centurion, but it appears less likely now with Yuvraj also ruled out. Dhoni may want more comfort with an additional batsmen, especially against Pakistan's pace attack which has shown more spirit than India's in the recent future.

Also, the fact that the Pakistan team, especially their bowling, would have built up a good rhythm in their match against West Indies and that the trio of Mohammad Aamer, Umar Gul and Rana Naved ul Hasan look good should force India to seek defense in the batting department. They may even resist the temptation to bring Mohammad Asif in to the match given their performance.

But much will be asked of the Indian bowling attack because Pakistan had their wobbly moments in their first Group A match, but they may not be tested if India continue to bowl as lackadaisically as they have in recent days. Ishant Sharma amongst others will have to find his former successful self to hold the key to India holding tight reins on the mercurial Pakistan team.

Either way, there will be a lot of pressure on both teams, although one cannot imagine it to assume the same proportions that such clashes usually held. But the nerves cannot be ruled out as the passions and that is why the cricket world waits with awaited breath.

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