AHMEDABAD: For millions of cricket aficionados in the country, a quickening pulse rate coupled with exhilaration is a given considering the epic battle between India and Pakistan in the World Cup on Saturday. India holds the record of never losing a World Cup ODI match to Pakistan. The team is in high spirits heading towards the Narendra Modi Stadium to repeat the glory against the neighbours.

Rohit Sharma-led India defeated Australia by six wickets in the first match and Afghanistan by eight wickets in the second match. Pakistan beat the Netherlands by 81 runs and Sri Lanka by six wickets. Both teams will face for the third time in the tournament.

Strength and weakness

India

1. Strong batting line-up consisting of Rohit, Virat, KL Rahul, Shreyas and possibly Gill.

2. The presence of all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja gives a bulwark in both batting and bowling.

3. Shubman Gill’s inclusion remains vague but there have been positive hints from captain Rohit Sharma about a change.

Pakistan

1. Babar Azam’s team are riding in confidence by winning the first two matches of the World Cup. The Pak team wrote history with their thrilling World Cup win against Lanka.

2. Babar Azam’s prowess with bat is arguably Pakistan’s most lethal weapon. Babar can attack any bowling line-up if he gets into form.

3. The losing streak against India in the World Cup can lower the spirits. Bowling lacks its old vigour.

Virat Kohli

The former Indian skipper has the best batting record ever against Pakistan.

Kuldeep Yadav

Pakistan was crushed in front of Kuldeep who took five wickets in the Asia Cup.

Muhammad Rizwan

Dazzling in super form. Half-century (68) in first match and century (131*) in second match

Hasan Ali

In the absence of the injured Naseem Shah, Ali is teaming up with Shaheen Shah Afridi to form a deadly pair in pace bowling.

The game will start at 2 pm IST and will be telecasted on starsports and Hotstar.