Rain threat looms over Pak-India World Cup clash in Melbourne

The much-awaited match between Pakistan and India in the Twenty20 World Cup 2022 is likely to be affected by rain.

It’s been raining in and around Melbourne past few days and the weather forecast for 23rd October in Melbourne is also not good.

According to Melbourne Weather Forecast, rain in predicted both in morning and evening in the state.

Two teams will face each other in Melbourne at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23. However, a weather forecast said that a heavy downpour is expected in Melbourne on Sunday [October 23]— a day when Pakistan and India are scheduled to play a group match.

A report says that all tickets for the much-hyped match have been sold out. In the event that the match is washed out, both teams will get one point each.

The weather forecast agency said Melbourne is expected to receive showers in the wet spell starting from Thursday. Three states of Australia are rain-affected these days. The weather is also cold in the country.

Shaheen Afridi fit and ready, says Babar

Pakistan have welcomed back pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who recovered from a knee injury in a boost to their chances.

Skipper Babar Azam said Shaheen was fit and ready. "The way Shaheen has come back and he is fully fit and dedicated and we are looking forward to the tournament and play," said Azam.

"Pakistan has always produced good fast bowlers. Shaheen's return has only made our fast bowling lot stronger," he added.

Pakistan are fresh from winning a T20 tri-series in New Zealand.

"The boys are confident and we will try to take this momentum into the World Cup," said Babar, adding that he was expecting a high-intensity match against India in their tournament opener.

Indian playing XI decided

The India skipper Rohit Sharma has made a bold statement saying that the playing XI for the match against Pakistan is already decided. During the ICC press conference for all 16 captains, Rohit said he doesn’t believe in a last-minute decision as he wants them to prepare well.

At the same conference Rohit also said that he hasn’t seen Shami, who is in the team in place of Bumrah, as yet, clearly indication the speedster will not be part of that XI. “I don’t believe in last-minute decisions. We want to keep our boys informed about team selection before so that they can prepare early. I already have my XI for the Pakistan match. Already those players are informed. I don’t believe in a last-minute thing. I want them to prepare well,” said Rohit, adding “I haven’t seen Shami as yet. But I am hearing good things about him. I will gauge him during the practice in Brisbane.”

Talking about injured pacer Jasprit Bumrah, India skipper said that they need to look forward and by the time the Men in Blue play Pakistan they will be well prepared for the clash. “You can’t show disappointment in injuries, you need to look forward to what we can do. We have backed our other boys and we are backing them. Hope they deliver. We wanted to come here early and acclimatise to the situation.”