India versus Pakistan The MCG was packed with 100,000 fans to watch bitter rivals compete in the World Cup. Who do the odds favor?

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan bats.

• WORLD T20 CUP
• PAKISTAN VS INDIA
• MCG OCTOBER 23

On Sunday, India will face Pakistan at the MCG.

Rain is expected, but punters and the 100,000 people expected to pack the MCG will be hoping that the BOM is wrong and we can get all 40 overs in.

Given the vibe and excitement generated by this game, this match will set the tone for the entire tournament. Not only from the players, but also from the 100,000 people who have flocked to the MCG in the last few years since Covid discontinued the tournament.

Two of the game’s most ferocious rivals square off in what promises to be a thrilling game of cricket.

The First Step is Crucial

In a T20 game, nothing is more important than getting off to a good start and setting the tone for the innings. Whether it’s early powerplay runs or getting into the middle order as a bowling team and getting some cheap overs in.

Pakistan has two of the best T20 batsmen in the world, and they will be crucial for Pakistan not only in this game, but throughout the tournament.

Both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been in good form leading up to the tournament and will be eager to perform on the big stage and show the world how good they are.

Their bowling attack will be led by Harris Rauf, who has a history with the Melbourne Stars (and in green, no less), and will look to rip through the Indian top order and excite the crowd.

However, the Indian batting lineup includes KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav. Any total with those four men in their lineup can be pursued.

With Jasprit Bumrah out due to injury, the bowling is a little weakened. India’s bowling attack remains strong, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami bringing experience and Arshdeep Singh providing a left-handed change up.

Pakistan $1.89 via OKBET is the highest opening partnership.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam (L) converses with teammates Usman Qadir (C) and Shadab Khan.

Take Your Time

Pakistan has a plethora of fast bowlers in their squad, and the pacy Australian wickets will excite them.

As previously stated, Pakistan has Harris Rauf, who has extensive experience at the MCG. These aren’t the low and slow turning decks that we see in the subcontinent, which helps Pakistan to some extent because they don’t have to face Bumrah and their pace attack is at full strength.

When bowling, India traditionally looks to take the pace off the ball, and variations in pace and length are critical on the open expanses of the MCG.

With that said, we’ve discovered a bet for those who enjoy playing the exotics, and that is Pakistan taking the first wicket against India.

‘Caught’ is a short-priced favourite for obvious reasons, but given the pace that Pakistan brings to this game, it wouldn’t be surprising to see an early rocket get through the gate of a Sharma or Rahul and, more importantly, get the punters off to a flying start.

Records in the World Cup

As teams that thrive on this game setup and have historically performed better with white ball cricket.

Both India and Pakistan have been underwhelming in the T20 World Cup since its inception.

India has only won the tournament once and has disappointed their fans on numerous occasions due to the weight of expectation placed on them. One win, a runner-up finish, and another semi-final appearance aren’t enough for the cricket-crazed fans back home.

Pakistan had a chance to make the final last year but blew it; seeing Australia go on and win would have been a crushing blow. They’ve also won the tournament before.

Both teams have the necessary personnel and talent to win the tournament. That is why the first game is so crucial.

Winning is all the Matters

The two teams are priced very differently, with India as the $1.51 favorite and Pakistan as the $2.48 underdog.

Pakistan will look to get off to a fast start against that weakened bowling attack, led by the opening partnership of Rizwan and Azam.

India has a strong bowling attack that can compensate for the loss of Bumrah. The difference is in the batting, with Pakistan falling away in the middle order.

KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma start the Indian innings before the man (King) Virat Kohli strides to the crease and, if that isn’t enough, the fearless Suryakumar Yadav pads up. The Indians will bet that they can beat any total with their current lineup.

Winner:

India has too deep a batting lineup to lose, and they can win not only this game, but the entire tournament.

— India: $1.51 (via OKBET)

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