India-Pakistan clashes on the cricket field have invariably been fierce ones with neither side giving an inch as they fight for supremacy. While there is always nationalism involved whenever one plays for the country, it is much more when it is against Pakistan and in the current situation with tensions on the border this match has more significance than any earlier India-Pakistan clash. Sure the players will be their normal selves and try not to get carried away by the hype around the game but they know that this match will make them heroes or zeroes.

India have a slight edge since this Pakistan team is a bit short of experience. There is no Misbah, no Younis, no Afridi and that is a lot of experience missing. However that can be balanced by the enthusiasm and energy of youth and for Pakistan's youngsters this is an ideal way to make a name for themselves. They have had a good warm-up game and so will be quietly confident.

India, on the other hand, enter the tournament with an unnecessary controversy about their coach and if they don't do well then the blame lies squarely with that being raked up before such an important event. Being the ultimate pros, the players will focus on their core strengths but that uncertainty will linger in the dressing room and that is where things often go wrong rather than on the field.

This time the Indian pace attack is a superb one with all the bowlers bowling craftily and with pace too. If the conditions are overcast then the bowlers will get the ball to swing a lot more but so also will the Pakistani bowlers. The Indian batsmen are a little more experienced in English conditions and look a lot more settled in their positions.

With Yuvraj Singh being fit Rahane may have to miss out and the only question for the Indian team selection is whether Shami has had enough bowling under his belt after his return from injury and can be risked in a big game like this.

This is Virat Kohli's first big tournament as skipper and his first big test. If he comes through with flying colours then the Indian flag also will fly proudly throughout this tournament.

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