India v Pakistan predictions: Azam and Rizwan can cause problems for Men in Blue

Free cricket tips, best bets and analysis for India v Pakistan in the T20 World Cup on Saturday.

Where to watch

India v Pakistan
Sky Sports Main Event & Cricket, 9am Sunday

Best bet

Pakistan to have higher opening partnership
1pt 10-11 bet365

Match preview

Pakistan began their Twenty20 World Cup campaign last year with a crushing ten-wicket thrashing of India and will be looking to repeat the feat when they lock horns with their rivals at the MCG in their first match of this year's tournament.

Both teams played in Group 2 last year and after the opening defeat, India went on to miss out on a place in the knockout stage, whereas Pakistan finished with five wins from five in the group phase and reached the semi-finals.

And India could be in for a tough time of it again this year. The absence of pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah means India could struggle to break down Pakistan's formidable opening partnership of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 68 not out and 79 not out in that World Cup win against the Men in Blue last year.

Rizwan has especially dazzled recently, finishing as the top runscorer at the Asia Cup, and he and Azam can ensure Pakistan get off to a strong start against their rivals.

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