- Mar 4, 2024
- Nov 2, 2023
The clash that never fails to capture the attention of the entire cricketing fraternity is back, as India and Pakistan are all set to lock horns on October 23 at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The fans are eagerly waiting for the biggest game of the 20-20 World Cup to get underway, especially after the last two thrilling encounters between the two sides. However, the fate of the game is in the hands of the Rain Gods as a heavy downpour is expected on Sunday at the MCG.
Melbourne’s weather forecast for October 23 predicts significant rainfall for the city. The likelihood of rain on October 23 is up to 70%. A wet period is going to hit the state of Victoria and is predicted to begin on Thursday. Disappointingly, there is a good chance that the weather will cause the game to be shortened or even abandoned.
India and Pakistan also met in their opening encounter of last year’s 20-20 World Cup where Pakistan managed to beat India for the first time ever in the 29-year-long history of World Cup cricket. The two teams recently met twice in the Asia Cup last month where both teams won one game each.
India is missing their two star players Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja in their World Cup squad. Jadeja has been replaced by Axar Patel while Mohammed Shami has been brought into the team in place of Bumrah.
On the other hand, Pakistan is struggling with their middle-order batting as no other player apart from Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan is looking in good touch. They’ve added the star batter Fakhar Zaman into their squad to strengthen their batting.
Meanwhile, India skipper Rohit Sharma recently revealed that he has already finalized the playing XI for the Pakistan game. “I don’t believe in last-minute decisions. We want to keep our boys informed about team selection before so that they can prepare early. I already have my XI for the Pakistan match. Already those players are informed. I don’t believe in a last-minute thing. I want them to prepare well,” said Rohit during the recent Press Conference.