India vs Pakistan: Thriller at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens today

The City of Joy has an optimistic sound to it. But sanguine emotions make way when there is an India-Pakistan cricket match. It is more about tense moments, cross-border rivalry and then, cricket. The rivalry will take its next step when the two nations meet for the Group B, Super 10 tie of the ICC World Twenty20 here at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.

India, termed favourites from the start of the tournament, are under immense pressure after the 47-run loss to New Zealand in Nagpur in the opener.

The Men in Blue, known to be veterans of playing spin bowling, were given a taste of their own medicine against the Kiwis. The star-studded batting line-up could not rise to the occasion and that’s a worry ahead of such a crucial tie against Pakistan, known for their gritty pace bowling.

India have invited a knockout stage for themselves and they also need to have a look at the net run rate in order to book a berth in the next round.

However, India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the focus should be on a win at the moment.

“We need to win a game first. The net run rate will gradually fall in place. As of now, that is not a concern. The team are used to Indo-Pak matches and I think the pressure can be handled,” said the 29-year-old.

Talking about India’s bowling, Ashwin said: “If we knew we would be all out for 79, we would have tried to restrict them for an even lesser score. The biggest challenge of the tournament is to understand the balance, nature of the wicket and conditions of the ground,” he added.

Pakistan trained at the optional practice session on Thursday while a few Indians opted out.

Ashwin asserted that it was necessary for the team to sit back and evaluate their performance in Nagpur before hitting the nets at Eden Gardens.

All-rounder Pawan Negi, spotted at the nets, raised eyebrows regarding his inclusion in the XI. Mohammad Shami looked fit and in great shape but Team India are not likely to tinker with the combination.

On the other hand, Pakistan are confident after their smooth 55-run win over Bangladesh on Wednesday. Skipper Shahid Afridi tasted form (49 off 19 and 2/27) which is an ominous sign for India.

Pakistan do not have a good record against India in ICC tournaments but the catch is, they have a terrific record at this venue. They are unbeaten (4-0) in the ODI format.