As the battle to reach the semi-finals in the Men’s T20 World Cup intensifies, Team India is looking to bolster its chances of booking their spot by beating Scotland in match number 37 of the Super 12 round on Friday, 5th November. While India has found its rhythm after two disappointing losses, Scotland is yet to open its points account in Group 2. It may seem like a herculean effort for the Scotland players to achieve victory against India, but with the T20 format and the surprises it keeps throwing now and then, one can never tell.
The Venue, Pitch Details & Broadcast News
Friday’s game will be played in Dubai (UAE) at the Dubai International Stadium. The cricket ball will begin rolling at 7.30 pm (IST).
The Dubai pitch has been mysterious so far, where players and staff have not been able to figure out its characteristics entirely before games. On several occasions, the dew factor has played its role during the second half of the game. However, teams have also suffered by putting too much faith in the dew while defending a score. So the pitch may turn up with its ideas on the day of the match.
As a welcome move, the ICC had mandated before the outset of the tournament that all stadiums would be thrown open to spectators up to 70 percent capacity. Seeing that the UAE is home to many overseas Indians, players would find plenty of support while plying their trade.
It will be hot and humid here in Dubai, with an average temperature circling 30 to 33 degrees centigrade, with the possibility of a light breeze.
Indian viewers will be able to watch the game live on the Star Sports Network. People opting for live streaming would be able to get their dose of entertainment on Disney+Hotstar.
India’s Semi-Final Hopes Hanging By The Thread
For India to qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament, they need to win the rest of their Super 12 matches with comprehensive success. Looking at where they stand in Group 2, it is likely that more than one team would finish with the same number of points. In that case, a better net run rate would determine the eventual qualifier. It is pertinent to note here that Pakistan has already cemented its place in the next round after four straight victories. So, only one spot remains to be filled up.
As per Kohli’s words, India would be looking to control the things under their purview only and not bother with what other teams could or could not do for them. A resounding victory would nonetheless keep the Indian adventure alive at the competition.
Team India Confident Of Replicating Sunday’s Performance
Virat Kohli’s men are booming with much-needed self-confidence after their thumping victory over Afghanistan. The inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin had paid ample dividends to the side. Ashwin took important wickets in the game against Afghanistan without giving away many runs. The return of Rohit Sharma to the opening slot after a one-match absence also turned out to be a masterstroke for the Indian contingent. Sharma, along with K L Rahul, completely tore apart the Afghan bowling attack. With the net run rate coming into play in the next days, India would love to utilise the form of their openers and put up a high total if they bat first.
Head-To-Head Record In T20 World Cups
India and Scotland are scheduled to play only the second time in T20 World Cup outings. Their first meeting officially took place during the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007. That match, however, got abandoned because of the interference of rain.
Probable Playing Elevens
India: K L Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (C); Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin; Shardul Thakur; Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah
Scotland: George Munsey, Kyle Coetzer (C); Matthew Cross (wk), Richie Berrington; Calum MacLeod, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves; Mark Watt; Safyaan Sharif, Alasdair Evans, Bradley Wheal
Match Prediction
India needs to watch out for a talented Scotland side which would most likely play a fearless brand of cricket. The Scottish side has nothing to lose going into this game and would want to give their all before the tournament ends for them. The way they played against New Zealand, losing by the small margin of 16 runs; would surely keep their spirits high.
