The mega cricket event is set to bring a wave of excitement with the India vs Pakistan match in Colombo. The mega clash between the arch rivals will be a key test of temperament and composure. Both teams are coming in with experience, but the team that can maintain calmness and make fewer mistakes is going to win this test of pride. Though India had remained firm to maintain their lead against Pakistan in the World Cup, experts, are saying that this time it will not be a cakewalk for India, as Colombo will test the Indian batters with spin, where Indian players failed to show resilience recently, and for that reason, a few of the players role from the both sides will be a key point for this match.
Here is the list of players who are going to be the important ones in this marquee clash
Key players to watch out for the Indian team
Surya Kumar Yadav - The Indian captain had talked about the confidence in the pre-match press conference and was also caught rounding his arm in Usman Tariq’s bowling action. He is going to be one of the key threats to Pakistan, who can play spin with elegance like no one else.
Tilak Varma- The Asia Cup final hero, Tilak Varma, is expected to shine once more against the rivals, as he already knows how to absorb pressure in critical situation his contribution is going to be vital in this match.
Hardik Pandya- The stalwart all-rounder has a stunning record against Pakistan. His experience is going to be crucial for this high-tension match. In the 2022 World Cup, when Kohli went out of the ground against Haris Rauf, Hardik Pandya had an immense contribution there. He is definitely going to be one of the key players for India.
Varun Chakravarthy- The spin web, which only he can create, is going to be the key trap for Pakistani batters, as a few batsmen of the Pakistan squad are out of form, they will find difficulty in reading Varun’s delivery.
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Key players to watch out for in the Pakistan team
Shaheen Shah Afridi – The left-arm fast bowler known for his ability to strike early with the new ball. He generates late swing at high pace and extracts steep bounce due to his height, making him especially dangerous in the power play. His trademark inswinging yorker troubles right-handers, while his angle across left-handers creates constant pressure. In T20 cricket, he combines aggression with smart variations at the death, making him Pakistan’s primary wicket-taking weapon.
Abrar Ahmed – The leg-spin bowler is recognised for his deception and variation in the middle overs. His well-disguised googly, sharp leg-break, and subtle changes in pace make him difficult to read off the hand. He bowls a consistent good length that forces batters into risky strokes, helping him break partnerships.
Usman Tariq – Known for his unconventional action and sharp variations in pace and trajectory. He relies on deception rather than big turn, often troubling batters with skid and subtle changes in release point. His start and stop action gives him the ability to bowl tight lines in the middle overs.
Sahibzada Farhan – Sahibzada Farhan is an aggressive top-order batter recognised for his strong powerplay intent. In T20Is, his role centres on providing brisk starts and maximising fielding restrictions, giving momentum to the middle order with proactive stroke play and a fearless approach. Comfortable against both seam and spin, Farhan prefers to dominate length deliveries and rotate strike when required.
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Despite the bad weather updates coming this match will be the centre of action in the whole world.
Predicted XI
India predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav
Pakistan predicted XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.
