India vs Pakistan match preview, team news, when and where to watch free ICC World Cup 2023 live stream

The Indian cricket team has set a blazing trail in the World Cup 2023, notching impressive wins in their first two encounters. Their dominant performance against Australia, bowling them out for 199, and a commanding chase against Afghanistan, where they overhauled 273 with 15 overs to spare, speak volumes about their prowess.

Rohit Sharma's record-breaking century and Virat Kohli's back-to-back fifties against Afghanistan paint a promising picture for the tournament favorites. Now, the spotlight shifts to the grandest event of them all: the India vs Pakistan clash, the epitome of cricketing rivalries. Ahmedabad will be the battleground for this epic confrontation, kickstarting the Navratri festivities in style.

Will Pakistan be worried?

While both teams are undefeated so far in the tournament, Pakistan appear to have more concerns than India. Babar Azam's form is a concern while their bowling has also looked off-colour and on an Ahmedabad wicket, which traditionally is a batting paraside, a stern test awaits the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.

Head-to-head record

There's no doubt India will start the match as favourites, not just because of their ominous form but also due to the fact that historically, the ODI World Cup contests between India and Pakistan have always been a one-sided affair. In 7 World Cup contests, India have won all 7. Even as Pakistan have won 73 off the 134 ODIs between the two side, in World Cups, India have been invincible. However, India will do well not to take Pakistan lightly, for the Men in Green, as unpredictable as ever, can demolish any team on their day.

Team news

In terms of team news, Shubman Gill is 99% available for the big ticket contest, according to captain Rohit Sharma. But it remains to be seen if India draft him right away or wait for the Bangladesh match. Meanwhile, Shardul Thakur is likely to keep his place in the Playing XI.

For Pakistan, Mohd Nawaz might make way for either Usama Mir or Mohd Wasim Jr. There have also been calls regarding the omission of Imam-ul-Haq but the Men in Green will most likely persist with the opener, at least for another match.

When will the India vs Afghanistan World Cup 2023 begin?

IND vs PAK match will start at 2 pm IST on Saturday - Oct 14.

Where to watch IND vs PAK World Cup match?

Viewers in India can watch the India vs Pakistan ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 live telecast on the Star Sports Network.

Where to watch free live streaming of the India vs Pakistan Cricket World Cup 2023?

Fans can watch the free live stream of the India vs Pakistan ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.

India vs Pakistan probable playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir/Mohd Wasim Jr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

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Full squads

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Suryakumar Yadav, Shardul Thakur

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Agha Salman, Usama Mir, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Wasim Jr