BCCI Platinum Jubilee ODI preview

Back in the squad
By Amjid Javed
November 9 2004

Amjid previews the fascinating one day clash between Pakistan and India, which is due to be played at Eden Gardens on 13th Novemeber.

Pakistan and India will go head to head on November the 13th for the ninth time this year in a one off ODI in Kolkata to mark the 75th anniversary off The BCCI (India Cricket Board).

For both sides it has been a contrasting year when they have clashed. In the early party off the year India started off a successful tour to Pakistan by winning the best of 5 ODI series 3-2, a series which ultimately cost Pakistan coach at the time Javed Miandad his job. However since that clash things have changed or as history shows, Pakistan has gone back to dominating the ODI clashes with India. Under new coach Bob Woolmer, Pakistan has defeated India in the last 3 clashes, in the Asia cup, Amsterdam tournament and more significantly in the ICC trophy.

The game will come as a small break for both sides who have been in recent test action, Pakistan have drawn at home against Sri Lanka, and India have come off a major flop in the series against Australia. So both sides will be looking for victory to prove a point to their fans in what will be a partisan atmosphere.
Pakistan’s ODI record in India is a very good one. In 14 previous clashes in India, Pakistan has won 10 games to India’s 4. Another positive sign for Pakistan is they have won both games between the sides in Kolkata. Pakistan has also won the last 4 consecutive clashes between the sides staged in India.

For India the return off Saurav Ganguly will help bolster a batting line up which is sorely lacking in form and in confidence. Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag will be seen as Indias main run scoring threats in this game, with the steady Rahul Dravid providing the sheet anchor for India. Bowling wise the Indian spinners Anil Kumble and Harbajhan Singh have been in good form and will be expected to be Indias main wicket threats. The comeback off Irfan Pathan from injury will also be a welcome boost.

For Pakistan this game provides the team with a chance to prove it can play well under pressure, after a tame surrender in the Recent Paktel cup Final. Pakistan will want to win this game to get the recently given big game chokers tag off their back. The recent dropping off Yasir Hameed, will provide either Imran Farhat or Taufeeq Umar a chance to stake a claim for a regular ODI opening spot., a spot which needs to be grabbed with open arms. Batting wise Inzi, Youhana and the ever improving Shoaib Malik will be seen as the main run scoring threats to India. In the bowling ranks Pakistan will be happy to see pace twins Shoaib Akthar and Muhammad Sami return to the side after injury layoffs.

A partisan atmosphere an expected crowd off 90,000 fans this game will give the Pakistan team a taste off things to come when they tour India for a full tests and ODI tour next year.

Hopefully a classic encounter will ensue!