- Devise a special plan for Shoaib Malik:
If there is one person in that Pakistani setup who can possibly spoil India’s party, it’s their age-old nemesis, Shoaib Malik. The veteran Pakistani batsman is the most senior player on either side in terms of the years of international cricket played, having been around since 1999-00.
During India’s humiliating defeat to Pakistan at Centurion in 2009, it was a flawless 128 from Shoaib Malik which was the biggest deterrent. As opposed to his career average in the low 30’s, Malik averages close to 50 against India, making his affection for the Indians quite clear.
Once Malik is in, India needs to be on the offensive right from the word go. Even if it means having an umbrella field setup for a few overs, then so be it. If India gets Malik early, a big worry for them will be taken care off.