![India put into bat by Salman Agha [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1771161344461_skyaghatoss.jpg?type=hq)
India put into bat by Salman Agha [Source: AFP]
The wait is over, arch-rivals India and Pakistan will collide against each other in the most anticipated T20 World Cup clash in Colombo. The contest has been marred with controversies, but on Sunday evening, the focus will be on the game of cricket as both sides are entering the match on the back of successive wins.
India defeated the USA and Namibia in their opening two matches, while Pakistan narrowly edged past the Netherlands and defeated the USA in a one-sided battle. Hence, the winner of this epic match will directly seal its place in the Super 8 stage.
For India, Abhishek Sharma is back after an illness, and that would boost India’s morale. However, the team needs to be wary of the mystery spinner, Usman Tariq, and his mannerisms. Pakistan are already familiar to the Colombo conditions as they have stayed in the Lankan Island for a couple of weeks, and they will fancy their chances against India.
IND Vs PAK Match 27: Toss update
Ahead of the match, here is what transpired at the toss and the changes made by the two teams.
In the high-octane match, Pakistan won the toss and surprisingly, Salman Ali Agha elected to bowl first on a wicket that might assist the spinners in the second innings. On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav was happy to bat first, as both captains were happy with the toss outcome.
India has made two tactical and key changes. Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav are in the playing XI, while Sanju Samson and Arshdeep Singh misses out. Meanwhile, Pakistan has gone in with an unchanged XI.
IND Vs PAK: Playing XIs
India Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Abhishek Sharma was unwell, but he is fit and has been included for this all-important clash. On the other hand, Kuldeep's inclusion is tactical since the surface will support the spinners, and hence, India have added an extra spin-bowling option.
Pakistan Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq.
IND Vs PAK: What the captains had to say during toss
Salman Agha: "We will bowl first. It’s looking like a bit of a tacky pitch. We just want to use that, and I think it’s going to assist for the first few overs. We just want to use that.
It’s a bigger ground than SSC, and the pitch is a bit slower than the SSC pitch. But we have been playing on these kinds of pitches for the last six months. We have an idea how to play on these pitches as well.
Suryakumar Yadav: "We were looking to bat first. We have seen the results here. We have also batted first and defended the totals, winning the games so far. We don't want to change anything.
(Thoughts about the India vs Pakistan game) It is easy to say that it is just another game. But it is an occasion. You know these games always have high stakes. At the same time, you have to know what needs to be done. That is more important. Stay in the present. Back your skills. Put your A game forward. Then be yourself.
