World Cup 2019: Pakistan vs India – A match no skipper wants to lose

Both Sarfaraz Ahmed and Virat Kohli have been captaining their sides from the last two years

Arijah Siddiqui

June 16, 2019

Virat Kohli (L) and Sarfaraz Ahmed (R) are quite mindful of the extreme assessments. Photo: ICC

MANCHESTER: The much-anticipated clash between Pakistan and India at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is taking place today at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester.

Pakistan has played three matches against India under Sarfaraz Ahmed. India has won two of the encounter, meanwhile, Pakistan has won one game (Champions Trophy Final).

Sarfaraz XI have been encountered with Kohli XI four times. Out of which India has won thrice except for the final of ICC Champions Trophy 2017 where Pakistan had the dominance. Photo: File

Both Sarfaraz Ahmed and Virat Kohli have been captaining their sides since the year 2017. Under Sarfaraz's captaincy, Pakistan has played 43 ODI matches and won 22 out of them.

While India, under Kohli's captaincy, was able to mark victory in 51 out of the 70 matches played.

The conflict of the rivalries heaps extra weight on the captains. It's a match nobody wants to lose.

When Pakistan lost their opener in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 against West Indies, Sarfaraz was reprimanded harshly about his bowling changes, his field placing and his batting order.

Sarfaraz is being reprimanded harshly about his bowling changes, his field placings, his batting orders. Photo: AFP

However, Pakistan struck back to win against the World Cup hosts England, and lost a close thriller against Australia. The Pakistani skipper merits full credit for pulling the team out from the dumps of humiliating destruction against the West Indies.

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper is seemingly the best batsman in cricket.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is eager to win the crown of ICC Cricket World Cup Champions 2019. Photo: AFP

Kohli hasn't yet confronted a close thrilling situation yet in the World Cup. As Pakistan and India go head to head today, Safaraz and Kohli will be the center of attention. Despite both captains saying that it's just a regular game, the truth of the matter is that the match is well worth its hype.