India is more likely to win when their opening combination drives them off to a solid start. Under the overcast skies of Birmingham, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan will have to be cautious against Pakistan’s strike bowler Mohammad Amir. When the two sides clashed in the 2016 Asia Cup in Dhaka, Amir rattled India’s top order with three quick wickets, before Virat Kohli steadied the ship.
With conditions assisting him immensely, Amir will be a live wire for the taking. He can swing it both ways viciously and the Indian openers will have to watch out for him. Even a start like 35-0 after 10 overs shouldn’t worry the Indian fans. A start like this will definitely mean a tactical victory for India.