Can the Men in Blue pull off a miracle?

Men-in-blue are capable of turning things around, particularly under crunch situations and would like to replicate the same when they meet arch-rivals Pakistan at Colombo on 30th September 2012. They were completely out-classed by Australia’s devastating batsman Watson. By means of trying all possible combinations in their bowling, Dhoni didn’t find a way to break the partnership of Warner and Watson to get back into the contest. His choice to play with three-spinners proved to be of no value as all the three spinners were clobbered all over the park. Unforeseen decision was to play Piyush Chawla instead of a third seamer in the line-up. Piyush Chawla hasn’t cemented his place in the squad, and is coming into view only in major tournaments, then how could you pick Chawla in the playing XI predominantly in the major phase of the tournament? It’s a question yet to be answered by the Indian skipper.

After suffering a humiliating defeat against Australia, India’s net run-rate is -0.265. Their chances of cementing a spot in semi-final look slimmer than ever. With Dhoni completely looking out of sort, what to do with the team combination and also with the selection of an additional seamer is under scanner. Since this plan has backfired, it won’t be a bad idea to drop Chawla and bring Balaji back into the squad. Balaji, especially on slow tracks, could be effective for India. He has lot of varieties in his bowling and is a quick learner. He mixes his pace well and always keeps the batsman guessing. Also, he has been the star-performer for India against Pakistan and he would positively know their tactics despite not being familiar with the squad that he played in the year 2004.

Also, the number seven batsman has been underutilized by India. Therefore, it won’t be a bad idea to drop Rohit Sharma and bring in an extra seamer. They’ll have to play five specialist bowlers, given that they play against two strong antagonistic sides.

Since they are playing the night game, toss could play a critical role. Remember, they have to win next two matches by a higher margin and expect some miracle to happen, for India to be in the semi-finals. If India bats first, undoubtedly they have to pile up a score of more than 190 runs, so that their bowlers will go to the field with a little bit of confidence behind them.

Pakistan however, are riding on a wave of confidence with a splendid win against tournament favorites Proteas. Hafeez would be hoping for his boys to continue the same against India and need not worry about the factor that they have never beaten India in World Cups. They have a balanced attack, and if they can stick to the basics and exploit India’s weaknesses, then who knows they can come out trumps and break the record.

Players to watch out for

M S Dhoni holds the key for India yet again. His selection plays a pivotal role. Indisputably, he has to bring Sehwag back into the squad. Without doubt, he has to persist with five specialist bowlers because they play two top-class sides that have a formidable bowling attack. Also, he needs to bat ahead of Yuvraj Singh as that would indeed help to know the nature of the wicket and also opposition’s tactics. Once he’s there for around 15 overs, he has free license to go for his shots at death overs like he did in 2011 World Cup. Since this is a must win game for India he needs to take the accountability.

Gautam Gambhir This man yet again needs to get his pedals on alongside Sehwag. He must have been familiar with the Pakistani pace-attack as he has played them before in Asia Cup. If he and Sehwag pile up more than 50 runs inside first six overs, then it gives India a prospect to score more than 180 runs.

Imran Nazir has been the star performer for Pakistan over the years, particularly in the shortest format of the game. He’s one of the devastating batsmen of Pakistan apart from Nasir Jamshed. He has got starts but failed to convert them into big scores. If he can show some patience, then he will be unstoppable.

Prediction Expecting a last ball finish. However, both sides are packed with good players. If Dhoni’s bowlers can deliver with the new-ball inside first six overs, then possibility of victory will certainly be on the cards. Dhoni is prone to these circumstances and he knows what to do. Certainly Dhoni’s men are capable of turning things around. It’s about executing the plans on that particular day. If MSD leads from the front, certainly they move one step ahead for a semi-final berth.