Indians at home on slow pitch

It became clear there was no panic in the ranks as the baby of the team,Virat Kohli,passed his judgment on Pakistans pace spearhead Shoaib Akhtar.

After the net sessions,the Indians batsmen indulged in casual conversation about the bowlers they will be facing in their Asia Cup game against Pakistan on Saturday. It became clear there was no panic in the ranks as the baby of the team,Virat Kohli,passed his judgment on Pakistans pace spearhead Shoaib Akhtar. He isnt all that quick now,I saw him in the last game, he said,to the amusement of those around him.

A slow Akhtar and a slower pitch means the Indian batsmen,for once,arent worried about pace bowling or chin music on match eve. Besides,unlike the T20 format where they failed to handle the short ball,the one-dayers will provide them the relative luxury of avoiding the rising deliveries without getting blamed for wasting balls.

Despite these comforting thoughts,coach Gary Kirsten wasnt taking any chances. In a long one-to-one session with openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag,he gave them throwdowns with the focus on pitching the ball short.

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In contrast to Team Indias relaxed mood,the Pakistan camp was under a bit of pressure. After losing the first game,another defeat will see them getting knocked out of the tournament.

When it comes to bowling,the Indians have very few worries. In their opening game,a disciplined show saw Bangladesh getting dismissed for a low score. Ashish Nehras back niggle might see him sitting out and that will mean Ashok Dinda getting a place in the playing XI. Pakistan,on the other hand,have a finished look to their bowling card but off-spinner Saeed Ajmal is a tempting option they might like to explore.

Sehwag vs Shoaib

As has been the case with most games between the neighbours in the past,this one too can be billed as a contest between Indian batsmen and Pakistan bowlers. The Sehwag-Akhtar face-off will provide an intriguing sub plot to this interesting battle. The outcome of this duel will depend on which time of the day it takes place. It will be advantage Sehwag if India bat first; in case Akhtar gets a chance to bowl under lights,the tide can turn.

Comparing the batting departments of the two teams,India are better equipped to handle the tough conditions later in evening. The Indian middle-order has the experience and the flexibility to counter their rivals.

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The last time the two teams met was in Champions Trophy in South Africa last year,where Shoaib Malik scored a fine ton,and Pakistan will expect the same from the comeback man again. But a lot has changed since then. Pakistan have a new captain in Shahid Afridi,who has been around for a while to understand the importance of a win against India.

History says Pakistan have done well whenever their backs are to the wall. Meanwhile,India too cant afford to lose to their arch-rivals when they are seeking an image change. A lot is at stake for both on Saturday.

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