On paper, which team is the stronger of the two?
India vs. PAK is one of the most special clashes in the world of cricket. After all, the rivalry comes
from decade old political differences which forces both nations to fight brutally no matter where they meet. When its India vs. PAK, its not just another game or competition, it’s a battle.
The two are destined to meet each other in the Asia Cup for their second game. Given how both teams give their best to defeat each other, it is incredibly hard to determine who will come out as the winner. However, through statistics, it is possible to find out which team is at least stronger on the paper.
In the following paragraphs, check out the statistical comparison of the middle order batters from both the sides.
India's Middle Order
The Indian middle-order has five players such as Tilak Verma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya Out of four players, Hardik Pandya is an all-rounder.
In terms of numbers on the sheet, Tilak Verma has played 26 T20Is games, scoring 749 at an average of 49.93 and strike rate of 155.07. While the average is impressive, the strike rate can be improved.
(Credit- Kreedon)
Next up is Sanju Samson who in 43 games has an average of 25.32 and strike rate of 152.38. Samson has once again got a chance and therefore, he must do needful if he wishes to make his international presence permanent.
Shivam Dube has an average of 31.23 and strike rate 140.10 from 36 matches and while he has shown his mettle on some occasions, consistency is required from him.
(Credit- Al Jazeera)
Hardik Pandya is a star T20I player who does well with the bat as well as the ball. In 115 T20I games, he has 1,812 runs at an average of 27.87 and strike rate of 141.67. His bowling figures are much more impressive as he has 94 wickets in 115 games.
PAK's Middle Order
PAK may have Salman Agha or Fakhar Zaman in the fourth place. Zaman is an experienced batter with 102 matches, but his average stands at 23.37, and his strike rate is 132.24. On the other hand, Salman Agha has an average of 27.16 and a strike rate of 116.42 from the 25 matches he has played so far.
The rest of the middle order includes Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, and Mohammad Haris.
Hasan Nawaz has a strike rate of 167.44 but his average stands at 25.41 in the 19 T20I matches he has played so far. With 71 matches, Mohammad Nawaz brings experience to the table with a strike rate of 132.64 but a poor average of 18.22. Unfortunately, Mohammad Haris also has a poor average of 16.20
India's dominant line-up
Overall, when stats are compared between the two sides, it is the Indian middle order that appears strong on paper, and has the history of winning more matches for the side.
(Credit- Indian Express)
India are the favourites in the tourney, and are expected to beat PAK. However, PAK is unpredictable and can turn the table on their good day.
