IND vs PAK: Sanjay Bangar Picks Key Battles In Today's India-Pakistan ICC World Cup 2023 Match

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IND vs PAK: Former Indian cricketer and batting coach Sanjay Bangar has picked out a few key battles that will take place during the India-Pakistan ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday (October 14).

The intense rivalry is once again going to take centre stage in a marquee event, in which India have got the number on Pakistan in the seven previous ODI World Cup meetings against their arch-rivals.

India will be aiming to keep their winning streak alive against Pakistan while the latter will be looking to end their World Cup drought against the Men in Blue. While the two nations are set for war on the field, a few mini battles may prove crucial in the contest.

Speaking exclusively to Star Sports show, "Follow the Blues", Sanjay Bangar shared his views on what would make up the key battles in tomorrow's match.

Rohit Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi

Bangar said the first key battle is going to be between Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has managed to get the better of the 'Hitman' in many recent encounters.

"First up, the key battle is going to be between the opening batter and the bowler. So, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Rohit Sharma is going to be a key battle because of the manner in which Rohit Sharma is playing fearless cricket," Bangar said on Star Sports show Follow the Blues.

"And especially the last time India played against Pakistan, he had taken the attack to them along with Shubman Gill, and they really charged at all the three pacers, scoring at a fast pace in those first 10 overs."

In the five innings in which Shaheen and Rohit have faced each other, the 'Hitman' has scored 37 runs at an average of 18.50, with four boundaries and two sixes in 48 balls. Rohit has been dismissed by Shaheen twice.

Virat Kohli vs Haris Rauf

Bangar further added that if India manage to get off to a great start like they did in the Asia Cup 2023, then Pakistan bowlers will be in trouble as the former coach picked Kohli vs Rauf as the next key battle.

"So, if India does end up having a wonderful start like that again, then pressure will be on the Pakistan bowlers from the start. Having spoken about the Sharma-Afridi match-up, another key battle is between Virat Kohli and Haris Rauf," Bangar added.

"Because Haris Rauf bowls a very good short ball at a good pace, that battle would also be good to watch." In five innings Virat and Rauf have faced off against each other, Virat has scored 43 runs against the bowler with two fours and three sixes.

Rauf has never dismissed Virat. Virat's two successive sixes against Rauf during a 160-run chase in ICC T20 World Cup 2022 at Melbourne during the 19th over are considered really iconic.

Kuldeep Yadav vs Babar Azam

The former Indian batting coach picked his third and final key battle in the India vs Pakistan match, stating it would be interesting to watch Babar Azam face spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

"And also when their batters come out to bat, it would be exciting to watch if Kuldeep Yadav is able to take Babar Azam's wicket," Bangar said.

Babar has made 18 runs in three innings against Kuldeep and has been dismissed twice. Kuldeep has never allowed Babar to hit a four and six against him.