Though the ODI World Cup 2023 started on 5 October 2023 in India. However, fans, cricket experts, journalists, and others have been waiting for the arch-rivals India and Pakistan to go against each other. The much-awaited match is scheduled to take place on 14th October 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The headlines such as – ‘non-thrillers’, ‘less crowds’, ‘no vibe’, all will be put to rest when Rohit Sharma’s team will go against Babar Azam’s eleven.
Pitch Report & Toss
The pitch at Ahmedabad is likely to play better under the lights with ball coming onto the bat nicely. In the first game at this venue, the opener of Cricket World Cup 2023 between New Zealand and England – We saw an easy chase by New Zealand, courtesy to Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Moreover, after a closer look at the pitch, it can certainly be said that toss will play a crucial role in event’s biggest game. Hence, the team which wins the toss will most likely look to chase in Ahmedabad.
Weather Report
The weather in Ahmedabad on 14th October 2023 is expected to have a temperature of 35 degrees. The best news of the fans is – there’s 0% chance of precipitation with 47% humidity.
Crowd in the Stadium
The crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is expected to come in large numbers. However, with humidity of 47%, we might see the stadium getting jam packed only after 5 PM IST.
Press Conference Updates
For Pakistan, captain Babar Azam addressed the Press Conference. Babar spoke about the support Pakistan has received in India, ticket queries, big game against India and much more. On being asked about 7-0 loss record against India in ODI World Cup, Babar said, “I don’t focus on past results. I am only focusing on tomorrow’s performance.”
On the support by the fans for the game against India, Babar said, “I am expecting good Pakistan support tomorrow after our time in Hyderabad.”
On team combination against India, Babar also went on saying that Pakistan will miss the services of Naseem Shah. However, he has full confidence in other players who are a part of the squad.
Head-to-Head
The Indian team carries supremacy against Pakistan in the ODI World Cup with a record of 7 wins in 7 ODI World Cup games between 2 sides. This means, India carries 100%-win record against Pakistan. It will be interesting to see if India can make it 8-0 on Saturday when these two sides meet.
Probable 11
India: Rohit Sharma ©, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Pakistan
Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam ©, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammed Zawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
Who will win?
Well, going by the current statistics of these two teams, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that fans can expect a closely fought contest. However, with experience on playing at the venue, crowd support, and how all 11 stars have performed, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that India is ahead in the contest. I certainly believe that 7-0 is most likely to turn into 8-0 on Saturday.
