India too strong for Pakistan
The only time India and Pakistan meet these days are in global tournaments. Since 2015, there have been eight such matches with India winning seven of those. In ICC tournaments, India haven’t lost to Pakistan, and it makes this contest quite intriguing, especially when India, with odds of 1.51 to win this game, are strong favourites based on current form.
Pakistan, on the other hand, are the most unpredictable team in international cricket and on their day can beat most teams. They have a strong, experienced squad for this tournament with the conditions very familiar to them. They have odds of 2.52 to beat India, but will have to play out of their skin to do so.
Records back India
Pakistan have beaten India only once ever in T20Is – in 2012 outside world tournaments. In all other seven games, India have won over their arch-rivals.
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India also edge ahead in terms of recent record, having won 20 and lost 12 of their 35 matches with two tied games (both won in Super Overs by India). Pakistan, meanwhile, have win 17 of their 38 games, losing 16.
Keep an eye on…
Virat Kohli: He might be out of form, but Virat Kohli has a knack of turning up when the odds are stacked against him. He will relish the prospect of facing Pakistan in the first game of the big tournament and will be hopeful of making a big score.
Rizwan – Babar: Pakistan’s opening duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam have been outstanding in recent times. They will look to capitalise on India’s weak record with the ball in the powerplay overs.
