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T20 World Cup 2021: Two changes that Team India could make ahead of the upcoming match against New Zealand

 

The arch-rivals India and Pakistan faced off each other at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday. Pakistan break the streak of 0-12, as they beat India by chasing down the target of 152 runs with 10 wickets in hand.

Having a look at the match, the skipper of Pakistan, Babar Azam won the toss and opted to field first. They got the expected start as Shaheen Afridi removed both Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul in back-to-back overs. However, Virat Kohli stood strong on one end and got good support from Rishabh Pant.

He scored 39 off 30 balls and failed to clear the fence in the spell of Shadab Khan. Virat Kohli has looked good and added 57 runs for his team before walking back to the dressing room.

At the end of the innings, India posted a decent total of 151 runs on the board. Ahead of the chase, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan opened the innings and give the expected start to the team.

They overwhelmed the Indian bowlers and dominated them all around the park without showing any mercy. Babar Azam 69 off 52 balls whereas his partner Mohammad Rizwan scored 79 off 55 deliveries and guided their team to their first even win against India in the World Cup event. 

2. Shardul Thakur in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Shardul Thakur

A lot of fans were surprised when Shardul Thakur was not to the playing xi of Team India against Pakistan. He scalped 21 wickets in the Indian Premier League and can clear the fence at ease.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar didn't seem to be in good flow as he has been conceded 25 runs in his 3 overs and failed to give the breakthrough for his team.

In addition to that, he did the same in the warm-up matches against England and Australia where he picked only one wicket for the side. Considering his performance, he might warm the bench in the upcoming fixture against New Zealand on October 31 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

1. Ishan Kishan in place of Hardik Pandya

Ishan Kishan

Hardik Pandya is not in the form that he often used to play. In the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League, the right-handed batsman went on to score only 127 runs at a very poor average of around 14.

Also Read: "The manner in which Pakistan won, people will stand up and take notice" - Ashish Nehra

Moreover, he didn't bowl a single over in the IPL and even in both warm-up matches that Indian played against England and Australia. During the clash against Pakistan, Hardik was not seen in much confidence and got only 11 runs off 8 balls.

According to the reports, Hardik Pandya has been injured during the match and is likely to be replaced by Ishan Kishan who is in fabulous form with the bat.