Web desk: Pakistan and India will face off today in a high-voltage encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Cricket fans around the world are eagerly waiting for the much-anticipated clash between the two arch-rivals.
Sources say the Pakistan team management will finalize the playing XI shortly before the match. A decision has already been made regarding Fakhar Zaman, who is unlikely to feature in today’s game. Officials will take a final call on Khawaja Nafay and Salman Mirza after inspecting the pitch conditions.
If Salman Mirza is included in the final XI, Faheem Ashraf may be dropped from the side. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi is expected to retain his place in the lineup. Team strategists are also planning to use Usman Tariq with the new ball against India’s opener Abhishek Sharma.
On the other hand, India has decided to strengthen its spin attack for this crucial match. According to sources, Arshdeep Singh has been dropped, while experienced spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been added to the squad. The 31-year-old is set to play his first T20 World Cup match.
Abhishek Sharma is fully fit and will open the innings alongside Ishan Kishan. Following his return, Rinku Singh is expected to miss out. India’s probable lineup includes Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Both teams have made key tactical adjustments ahead of the blockbuster encounter. Fans now await the toss and the official confirmation of the final playing XIs before the match begins.
Read more: Pakistan vs India showdown all set for Colombo clash
