The past few encounters between India and Pakistan have been clashes between Pakistan’s heavy left-arm pace attack against India’s classy batting line-up.
The past few encounters between India and Pakistan have been clashes between Pakistan’s heavy left-arm pace attack against India’s classy batting line-up.
It makes it more interesting especially when the Indian right-handed batsmen have shown a tendency to struggle against left-arm pacers.
Pakistan’s 2018 Asia Cup squad features as many as four left-arm fast bowlers and out of which, the duo of Mohammad Amir and Usman Khan played Pakistan’s opening encounter against Hong Kong, which they won easily by eight wickets.
Ahead of the crucial encounter match against arch-rivals India, these two are sure shot contenders in the playing XI. Junaid Khan, who was on the bench, could make his way into the XI considering his good record against India in the past.
1. India's left-right woes
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Between the 2015 World Cup and the end of 2017 Champions Trophy, India lost 34 wickets to left-arm fast bowlers in ODIs and according to statistics, India lost a wicket every 35th ball. Since then, though, this has dropped down to every 49 balls. PC: AFP
2. Mohammad Amir vs Rohit Sharma
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Rohit Sharma’s struggles against left-arm pacers are not hidden anymore. In the three years, Rohit has been dismissed by a left-arm fast bowler for a total of 11 times, including Amir once and that happened during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy in England. Rohit, who was the second highest run-scorer that tournament behind teammate Shikhar Dhawan, was trapped LBW off Amir’s bowling for a duck in the final at the Oval. PC: AFP
3. India to face Usman Khan for the 1st time
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Although Usman is not as experienced as the other pacers in the team, he still could be dangerous as Indians have not played him yet. Being left-handed will only be an added advantage against the Indian line-up. Moreover, the 24-year-old pacer was Pakistan’s best bowler in their opener match against Hong Kong where he bagged three wickets at a brilliant economy of 2.53 in his quota of 7.3 overs. PC: AFP
4. Junaid Khan likely to be picked
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Even though Pakistan picked Usman Khan ahead of experienced Junaid in their group fixture against Hong Kong, Junaid still might find a way into the team considering his record against the Indians in the past. In the Champions Trophy final, when struggling India were trying to get back into the game, he had dismissed Ravindra Jadeja, India’s last hope at that time. Having played six ODIs against India, Junaid so far has picked 9 scalps against them. PC: AFP
