Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. (Photo Source: ICC)

The long-standing political tensions between India (IND) and Pakistan (PAK) have prevented bilateral cricket series from taking place in recent times. However, the rivalry between these two nations is still considered one of the greatest in the sport. They are once again set to square off against each other in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup on June 09 at the newly constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

The Men in Blue, started their campaign on a winning note, defeating Ireland by eight wickets at the same venue. On the other hand, the Babar Azam-led side is coming off a Super Over defeat against co-host USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

In their head-to-head battles in T20 WCs, India have dominated the rivalry, winning six out of the seven matches played between the two teams. Pakistan’s sole victory came in the 2021 edition held in Dubai. The last time these two faced each other in a T20I match was two years back in the 2022 edition of the marquee event, which India won by four wickets.

Here are 3 key battles to watch out for in India-Pakistan contest:

1. Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam

Two modern-day greats of the game, Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, are constantly compared and debated by cricket fans and experts alike. Some believe Kohli’s impactful innings and consistent performances make him the superior batter, while others push for Babar’s name, citing his impressive numbers and rising stature. Both of them have been instrumental in their respective team’s success, with their performances.

Kohli in 118 T20I matches has scored 4038 runs at an impressive average of 51.11 and a strike rate of 137.95. The 35-year-old has smashed 37 half-centuries and one century in this format. While Babar’s numbers are equally remarkable as in 119 matches, the right-hand batter has smashed 4023 runs at an average of 41.05 and a strike rate of 130.15. The Pakistan skipper has 36 half-centuries and three centuries under his belt.

However, when it comes to the entertaining India-Pakistan clashes, Kohli has held the upper hand, in 10 matches, the former India skipper has hit 488 runs. His best innings of 82* came in the 2022 edition of the World Cup in Australia. On the other hand, Babar has struggled to replicate his usual form against India, scoring just 92 runs in four games. His best innings of 68* came against the Men in blue in the 2021 edition, which Pakistan won.

Also read: Rohit Sharma fit for Pakistan clash after minor injury scare

2. Jasprit Bumrah vs Shaheen Afridi

In T20 cricket, where batters often steal the limelight, Jasprit Bumrah and Shaheen Afridi have placed their names as bowling icons. Bumrah’s pinpoint yorkers, variations, and angled deliveries have made him a nightmare for batters to face, while Shaheen’s blistering pace, swing, and yorkers have troubled even the best. 

With a wealth of experience from numerous T20I matches and franchise cricket, these two have proven their ability in crunch situations. Bumrah has an impressive T20I record, picking 76 wickets in 63 matches at an average of 19.22. On the other hand, Shaheen has bagged 91 wickets in 66 matches at an average of 20.36. In the IND vs PAK clashes, the Indian pacer has picked just two wickets in three games while the lanky left-arm pacer has picked three wickets in two matches. All three wickets of Shaheen came in the 2021 edition where he took the wickets of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Also read: India vs Pakistan, Match 19: Players’ past performances and battles

3. Suryakumar Yadav vs Mohammad Rizwan

Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammad Rizwan, are both a vital cog in their respective team’s batting lineup. Yadav’s improvisation skills have been a game-changer for India, as evident from his performance in the 2022 edition, where he scored 239 runs. The 33-year-old is currently the No.1 ICC-ranked batter.

On the other hand, Rizwan has been a consistent performer for Pakistan, providing stability and scoring those runs consistently at the top of the order. In head-to-head records, Rizwan has the upper hand, scoring 3203 runs in 98 matches at a strike rate of 128.17 and has smashed 28 half-centuries and one hundred. Meanwhile, SKY has been featured in 61 matches and has hit 214 runs at a strike rate of 171.16. The right-hand batter has smashed four centuries so far. 

In the IND vs PAK clashes, Rizwan has scored 197 runs in four innings at an average of 65.67 and a strike rate of 123.12, including two half-centuries. Rizwan’s highest score of 79* came in the 2021 edition. Meanwhile Yadav despite his overall brilliance, has struggled against the Men in Green, scoring only 57 runs in four innings at an average of 14.25.