India vs Pakistan: 5 players match-ups that could decide Sunday’s ‘El Clásico’ winner
The following five matchups have been determined that will set the tone for this high-stakes competition:
1. Sahibzada Farhan Vs Jasprit Bumrah
In their last encounter, Farhan achieved the rare feat of hitting Bumrah for two sixes in a single T20I; This was such a significant performance that it inspired a documentary. While Bumrah was kept out of the Powerplay in the match against Namibia, it remains to be seen whether Gambhir will release him early to counter Farhan. The data is currently in favor of the Pakistani batsman, who has scored 51 off 34 balls without being dismissed in three matches against the Indian maestro.
2. Babar Azam vs Kuldeep Yadav
Although they have never met in T20Is, Kuldeep dominated Babar in the ODI format, dismissing him twice in three matches while conceding just 28 runs from 52 balls. Kuldeep’s overall record against Pakistan is excellent; boasts eight wickets in three matches, including four wickets in the previous final. However, this battle depends on team selection; For this duel to happen, Gambhir must choose to include Kuldeep in the playing XI instead of Arshdeep Singh.
3. Hardik Pandya vs Usman Tariq
Usman Tariq’s unique ‘stand and sling’ move has created a sense of mystery, but Hardik Pandya is seen as the batsman best equipped to dispel it. If Salman Ali Agha appoints Tarık in the middle innings (7th to 16th), a fascinating duel is expected. While Tariq’s pause at the crease disrupts most rhythms, Pandya’s steady center and lack of an obvious trigger allows him to maintain bat speed even if he has to react a second later.
4. Ishan Kishan Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi
Ishan Kishan, currently in his normal form, poses a huge threat to Shaheen Shah Afridi, especially if the left-arm centre-back tends to take the ball away from left-handers. The tactical battle here will likely revolve around the short ball. Given Kishan’s height, Shaheen can use the bouncer as the primary weapon, making Kishan’s counter strategy the central storyline of the power play.
5. Shivam Dube vs. Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan
Shivam Dube established himself as a spin-breaker by maintaining a strike rate of over 193 against slow bowlers in 2025. He has been particularly harsh on right-arm leg-spinners of late, as evidenced by his performance against Ish Sodhi. Pakistan’s wrist-spinning duo of Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan could face “special treatment” if they find themselves bowling to the muscular left-hander in the middle stages of the innings.(With PTI inputs)
