Pakistan and India play each other on Sunday in front of a packed crowd at Old Trafford in Manchester and an estimated one billion television audience.
Pakistan go into the match with just one win after playing four matches, India, on the other hand, are unbeaten.
History is also on the side of the Indians who have never lost to Pakistan in the World Cup. But, Pakistan led by Sarfaraz beat India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy the last time the two teams played in England.
Cricketing legends from both countries have weighed in on the highly anticipated match. Here’s what they had to say.
Match in India’s favour – Wasim Akram
“Its 70-30 in India’s favour,” Wasim Akram said when he was asked about his forecast of the match.
“India has depth in their batting, their bowling is also good. Kumar and Bumrah are in good form. So, overall India looks a very good side,” the former captain said ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019 game in Manchester.
When asked why Pakistan has been unable to win any World Cup match against India, Wasim didn’t have an answer. He, however, added that players shouldn’t have past records in their mind when they take on India and only think about the match they’re playing on the day.
“This ‘why’ doesn’t have an answer,” Wasim responded to the question.
“These are the stats to be discussed on the media, but players don’t think much about them, and they shouldn’t be thinking about them either. They must remain focused on the game they’re playing on that day,” he said.
Shadab is key – Waqar Younis
“Shadab is the key man in this side and I think they will look to bring him back in against India,” former Pakistan captain Younis wrote in a column for the International Cricket Council.
“They might go for five bowlers, use four pacers and Shadab and drop someone like Shoaib Malik.”
“When Pakistan play India it’s always a huge game, but their meeting on Sunday is shaping up to be more crucial than ever,” Younis, who also coached Pakistan, said.
“It’s simple — if Pakistan want to stay in the tournament, they have to bring an ‘A-plus’ performance and win that game.”
“What I have seen in this World Cup so far is that if you don’t pick up early wickets, you’re in trouble,” said the 47-year-old, a reverse swing master in his playing days.
“The new ball is so crucial and openers are being more careful in the first 10 overs this year.”
“It was with the new ball, in both batting and bowling, that I felt Pakistan missed a trick in their entertaining defeat to Australia at Taunton,” he added.
Indian batsman need to be watchful of Amir – Sachin
Sachin Tendulkar wants Indian batsmen to bat aggressively against Pakistan’s in-form Mohammad Amir in the World Cup clash.
“I wouldn’t go in with a negative mindset of playing dot balls against him. If you get an opportunity, I would encourage India to play their shots and stay positive,” Tendulkar said.
“It’s not about survival but rather going out there and even defend positively. No need to do anything different. We need to be aggressive in all departments. The body language is important – the bowler knows that you’re in control if you defend confidently,” he added.
Tendulkar feels Pakistan, who won just one of its three matches so far, will be targeting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on Sunday, Cricket Country reported.
“Rohit and Virat are the two more experienced players in the lineup and Pakistan would be focusing on getting them early without any doubt as that opens the game for them,” he said.
“Amir and Wahab Riaz will definitely target their wickets early on. But Rohit and Virat should also be looking to play long innings. The plan should be that the rest of the guys play around them,” he added.
India team is far better – Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev said India is a far better side than Pakistan and it will be an upset if they lose Sunday’s match.
“Looking at both the teams the Indian team is definitely far better. I am not saying because I am Indian,” said Kapil.
“I feel when I was playing the Pakistan team was much better than us,” he added.
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