Can Indian top order tackle Pakistan pace attack better this time
- Pakistan seamers had reduced India to 66 for 4 in their group fixture.
- India have lost only once in the previous five matches against Pakistan.
India and Pakistan will meet for the second time in eight days as they lock horns in this Super 4 fixture at Colombo on September 10. Their previous clash was washed out after India posted 266 on the board. India’s top order will be hoping to do a better job here. India head into this match as favourites at 1.60
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Pakistan seamers were outstanding in the first half of the innings against India in the previous game. But then they lost their way and let the opponents get to a fighting total. Pakistan are coming off a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh. Pakistan have odds of 2.10 to win this match.
Head-to-head record, Pakistan vs India
Talking about the head-to-head record, Pakistan lead the scoreline in overall ODI history. The two rivals have faced off in 133 ODIs, of which Pakistan have been victorious 73 times while India have won 55. As for the previous 10 matches, India have won seven and lost two.
Toss prediction
R Premadasa Stadium has hosted 155 One-Day internationals, with the team batting first winning 84 compared to 61 by the team batting second. Expect the team winning the toss to bat first in this match.
Win probability
On paper, India have a better side with more all-round batting and bowling units. Considering the two teams’ strengths and weaknesses, India walk in as favourites with a win probability of 62%
Average score
The average first innings score in ODI cricket at this venue reads 232. The number drops to 191 for the second innings.
Pitch and conditions
The pitches at RPS Colombo are generally dry and favour spinners. The pitches here get harder to bat as the innings progresses as it can be seen by the average score and win record.
Players to keep an eye on…
Pakistan Predicted playing XI:
Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
India Predicted playing XI:
Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Hardik Pandya: The Indian all-rounder scored 87 runs in the last game versus Pakistan, coming in at a critical situation. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball is vital for India.
Shaheen Afridi: The fast left arm pacer has troubled the Indian batters whenever they have met. His ability to swing the ball up front makes him a huge threat. He picked 4 for 35 in the previous clash at Pallekele.
Asia Cup 2023 predictions
Both these sides have potent pace bowling attacks but the pitches in Colombo aren’t quite helpful for seamers, which is why India hold an advantage due to their superior spin duo. We predict that India will win the match.
Our pick: Back India at 1.60 to win this one!
Pakistan v India Betting tips
Apart from betting on India to win the match, check our other recommended bet about Pakistan’s best batter.
Imam-ul-Haq is a solid player at the top of the order and plays spin well. He has scored over 2900 runs in ODI cricket at an average of 51, with nine hundreds and 18 fifties. Back Imam-ul-Haq at 4.25 to be Pakistan’s top batter in the match!
