All India need is a win to step into the semi-finals of this T20 World Cup. On paper at least, that should not be a big issue as their opponents on Saturday in Melbourne will be Zimbabwe, one of the lesser powers in the current cricket scene.
While they cannot afford to lose, Rohit Sharma’s men can, however, still make the lastfour stage if the heavens open up and the teams are forced to share points.
The forecast for Sunday in Melbourne, though, doesn’t hint at possibilities of rain with the skies likely to be partly cloudy at times.
But India need only to concentrate on the on-field matters that could transpire at the MCG, where they rode Virat Kohli’s unforgettable 82 not out to beat Pakistan in their campaign opener a fortnight ago. The maestro, who turned 34 on Saturday, must be itching for another big score at the iconic venue.
Birthday celebrations kept Kohli busy, but he also found time to undergo intense training on Saturday, batting at the nets for a good 40 minutes or so. A significant contribution with the bat on Sunday would also perhaps help the former captain shut all the noise regarding the “fake fielding” allegations stamped on him by Bangladesh last Wednesday.
India captain Rohit Sharma. AP/PTI
Kohli’s current form is certainly a massive plus point for India and so would be their bowling. The bowlers have been consistent right through, even in the loss to South Africa. Against Bangladesh the other evening in Adelaide, the bowlers fought back quite well in wet conditions to earn India full points.
In batting, KL Rahul regained form with his 32-ball 50 last Wednesday, which should be keeping him in a better frame of mind. All-rounder Hardik Pandya, not getting enough runs in the last two matches, must be hungrier.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya. AP/PTI
Captain’s struggle
Rohit’s inability to get a big score so far could be a concern for the team. He does have a 53 in this World Cup, which came against The Netherlands, but only after a let-off on 13.
An aggregate of just 74 runs averaging 18.50 doesn’t bode well for a batsman of Rohit’s calibre. Sunday is indeed one fine opportunity for him to come up with an innings of impact and set himself up for the bigger battle.
All said and done, India aren’t taking the Craig Ervineled side for granted by any means.
“We need to be as clinical as possible,” Ravichandran Ashwin stressed. “You will have to still go in there, counter the early pace with the bat and bowl good balls to create pressure.”
Wise words, considering how Zimbabwe stunned Pakistan not too long ago.
