Crackerjack, humdinger, whopper, smash hit. No dearth of synonyms to describe an India vs Pakistan clash irrespective of the stage it graces. But in the two cricket-mad nations, the day these two countries meet around the 22-yard strip, deserted streets resemble a state of curfew until fireworks go off on one side of the border.
5-0 is something none of the fans on either side can fathom. But that's the scoreline people of Pakistan have lived with since the first meeting between the archrivals 23 years ago.
India VS Pakistan ICC World Cup 2015
Incidentally, the Cup returns to the same soil where it all started - Australia, who co-host the 11th edition of ICC pinnacle event along with neighbours New Zealand. Will Pakistan's fortunes change on the land where they created history by scripting their one and only World Cup success under Imran Khan?
One thing is for sure, whoever wins, it won't be without drama similar to Miandad vs More in 1992 or Prasad vs Sohail in 1996. That, in fact, hints at battles within the battle. Good time to look at those top five one-on-ones that will make for a spicy Sunday on February 15.
Virat Kohli vs Shahid Afridi: Kohli is not in the best of forms ever since the ODI leg of India's Australia tour kicked off, and Afridi will like to play on that with his nagging legspinners that have been potent than his batting of late. However, it won't be a one-way battle whatever Kohli's recent form may suggest. Kohli is a match-winner in every sense and has mastered the art of chasing totals. He, in fact, has been picked by Saqlain Mushtaq as the dangerman for Pakistan. But Afridi might have other ideas.
India VS Pakistan World Cup 2015
Umar Akmal vs R Ashwin: The offspinner is India's best bet among Dhoni's slow-bowling options, and with the World Cup taking place towards the backend of Australia's summer, the pitches might also assist him; however, it might not be the case in New Zealand.
But Umar is the most talented of Pakistan batsmen, with credentials to turn a match on its head coming in to bat in the middle order. Former India stumper Kiran More feels it's Umar who poses the biggest threat to India's bowling attack that appears insipid at the moment.
Rohit Sharma vs Mohammad Irfan: After a patchy stay in Australia, which followed an injury scare, Rohit finally found form with a 150 against Afghanistan in the warm-up fixture. Albeit against minnows, runs under the belt should help the two-time ODI double centurion's confident against the traditional rivals.
But Rohit will be up against the seven-footer Mohammad Irfan who can extract bounce from the Adelaide track, which has time and again been the undoing of Indian batsmen. And with the Pakistani bowling with the new ball in hand, Rohit and his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan can be assured of a stiff test from at least one end.
Misbah-ul-Haq vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar The Pakistan captain and India's latest swing sensation are perhaps the most underrated batsman and bowler today. But here the edge clearly lies with Pakistan.
Misbah has been carrying the Pakistan batting now for years, which was evident in the nervy chase his 91 pulled off against England in warm-up. On the other hand, Bhuvneshwar is not 100 percent on both fitness and form front. He has looked more concerned about not putting too much pressure on his ankle, which has cost him the swing he has been known for.
Misbah, along with Younis Khan and Umar, is an ace Pakistan batting has up its sleeve. But a disciplined Bhuvneshwar should Test his patience and strokeplay.
MS Dhoni vs Wahab Riaz: Despite his patchy form, Dhoni has been widely picked as the game-changer from India. Regarded as one of the most dangerous and intelligent limited-overs batsman, especially during the death overs, Dhoni will be the key for India in crunch situations coming in at No. 6 or 7. However, by promoting himself up the order in the 2011 World Cup final, he showed that he is not averse to take up the responsibility when the team needs the most.
But Riaz would want to remind India of his heroics in the 2011 semi-final, where he took four wickets and also dismissed Man-of-the-Series Yuvraj Singh for nothing. He has the variations and a very good yorker in his armoury which has proved very effective in the final overs of an innings. But coming back after a long time, he won't find it easy, especially if the Indian batsmen get going.
