World Cup 2019: Michael Vaughan picks his all-time India-Pakistan XI

The most awaited game of the World Cup 2019 between India and Pakistan is all set to be played on June 16 at the Old Trafford in Manchester. There’s anticipation surrounding the marquee clash with India, holding the upper hand, statistically, having won all the previous matches against their arch-rivals in the mega event. Amidst the hype, Michael Vaughan picked up his all-time Indo-Pak XI.

The former Englishman decided to go for the deadly duo of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag as the openers. The picks weren’t surprising as along with Pakistan, the batters also tormented the other opponents. For the crucial number three spot, Vaughan went when Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper. The 30-year-old Virat has floundered very few times versus the Men in Green, yet has a rather decent average of 45.90.

Vaughan slotted the lazy, yet elegant Inzamam-ul-Haq at number four as per Cricbuzz. The former Pakistan skipper has 2,403 ODI runs against India at 43.69 with four tons to his name. Javed Miandad, who’s renowned for hitting a last-ball six for Pakistan to win the match in 1986, is Vaughan’s number five batsman. He thereafter picked the 37-year-old MS Dhoni in his lineup.

The wicketkeeper-batsman averages a stunning 55.90 versus Pakistan, in ODIs, having gotten 1,230 runs in 35 games. Dhoni is not set to play versus the Men in Green in the 2019 World Cup and the veteran will be looking to play another knock of substance. Imran Khan, the legendary all-rounder, also featured in this eleven. Imran is also the 1992 World Cup-winning captain.

Only one spinner

Wasim Akram has 60 ODI wickets against India in 48 matches and he got into the all-time XI as well. The legendary Anil Kumble is the lone spinner Vaughan picked in his team. Jasprit Bumrah has arguably been India’s standout all-format bowler in the last three years.

It shouldn’t raise eyebrows that he has been included as well. Bumrah is also plying his trade in the World Cup and will be a crucial player in the upcoming fixture. Waqar Younis is the other specialist fast bowler in the side.

Here is Michael Vaughan’s India-Pakistan XI:

Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Javed Miandad, MS Dhoni, Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Anil Kumble, Jasprit Bumrah, Waqar Younis