Lessons that Pakistan should learn since India played their opening WC games.
Depending on the toss i.e. batting or bowling first the following scenarios need to be considered.
1. Preferably Pak needs wickets against India. Initially India rotates strike to conserve wickets. In other words, India plays risk free cricket. After the 20th over with wickets in hand the Indian top order accelerates. This is where they apply pressure and post huge totals in excess of 300. Our bowlers have performed well in the game against England. There is still more room for improvement. Wahab Riaz is an experienced campaigner, but needs more support around him. If he is our wicket taking option others should contribute by bowling tight spells.
2. Taking wickets depends on the wicket i.e. pitch. If wickets are difficult to get there should be a plan B. This is where fielding comes into play where India can be restricted to rotate strike. Traditionally not our strongest suit, but with the younger players I see a lot of improvement and potential. I hope the coach and captain can drill some urgency into the fielders.
3. Pak needs runs on the board. Luckily since the England series we have managed to score good amount of runs barring the WI game. If Pak is put to bat first we need to apply the Indian strategy which is to conserve wickets and accelerate later on. The openers need to find gaps and run hard. In this WC runs are needed to win games. Probably this is because the pitches are batting friendly.