ICC World Cup 2019: Match 22, India vs Pakistan, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

After a few exciting and rain-truncated games in the 2019 World Cup, it’s time for the marquee clash between India and Pakistan on May 16 at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. The Men in Blue have an unbeaten record against their opponent, having won all their six encounters. Virat Kohli & Co. are also unbeaten in the mega event after defeating South Africa and Australia.

Pakistan, on the other hand, rolled over hosts England but slumped to defeat versus the Windies and the Aussies. Sarfaraz Ahmed’s men are languishing in the eighth position of the table. Pakistan also hasn’t had the best of times against their arch-rivals in recent times. Last year, amidst all the hype and excitement, India turned over the Men in Green in a couple of drab affairs in the Asia Cup in the UAE.

Weather Report

The weather isn’t expected to be a good one for playing cricket either. There is a chance of severe rain with the intensity remaining the same throughout the day. The clouds will make the atmosphere gloomy and the sun won’t make its way anytime. The temperature will be in the 14 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius. The humidity won’t be a matter of concern in the cold weather.

Pitch Report

Out of 45 ODIs at the Old Trafford in Manchester, only 18 went in favour of the team batting first. In the last five List A games, the average score was 260. The track has been a tad inconsistent. Nevertheless, teams should opt to field first after winning the toss, bearing in mind the adverse weather conditions.

Playing combinations

India

India is likely to rope in either of Dinesh Karthik or Vijay Shankar in place of the injured Shikhar Dhawan. Both Karthik and Shankar didn’t have the best of times in the warm-up matches and they’ll be looking to make amends. In Dhawan’s absence, KL Rahul should open the batting with Rohit Sharma. Rahul must be high on confidence after his ton against Bangladesh in the second warm-up in Cardiff.

The swashbuckling Hardik Pandya can be promoted up the order if India gets off to a flying start yet another time. An in-form MS Dhoni can tear any bowling apart, when in full flow. Kedar Jadhav’s role in the middle will also be crucial. In the bowling department, both Bhuveshwar and Bumrah are amongst the wickets. Chahal has been decent enough. Kuldeep Yadav needs to be a bit more consistent.

Probable XI

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (C), Dinesh Karthik/Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Kedar Jadhav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

Pakistan

Pakistan is most likely to start the leg-spinner, Shadab Khan. In that case, the axe may come down on speedster Shaheen Afridi. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq have shown sparks of brilliance, but the duo needs to convert their starts. A lot would also depend on how Babar Azam weaves his magic. Mohammad Hafeez is slowly but surely gaining back his touch.

Shoaib Malik and Asif Ali’s form is also a matter of concern. In the bowling department, Hasan Ali has blown hot and cold, having picked up only one wicket in three games. Mohammad Amir, the leading wicket-taker of the World Cup, is expected to enact a very important role for Sarfaraz & Co. The experienced Wahab Riaz has been a touch expensive but has bowled with heart and venom.

Probable XI

Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & WK), Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir.

Probable Top Performer

Rohit Sharma – India| Fakhar Zaman – Pakistan

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports

Online– Hotstar

Match Timings – 15:00 IST; 10:30 local

The prediction is for India to win the match.