India, Pakistan ready for Mohali clash

MOHALI: India will play on Thursday to consolidate their 1-0 lead over Pakistan even as the visitors will strive to salvage the one-day international series at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium here.

Both teams practised late into the night on Wednesday under floodlights to know the conditions for the day-night match better, especially the weather and the all-important dew factor.

Having lost the opening encounter at Guwahati earlier, Pakistan will have to work hard here to win. It is the same ground where the side lost two back-to-back matches in last year's Champions Trophy around the same time, once being bundled out for just 89 runs by South Africa.

Both sides could have a change each. While India could opt for batsman Virender Sehwag in the playing 11 instead of spinner Murali Kartik, Pakistan has already indicated they will go in with another fast bowler, Sohail Tanvir.

The wicket itself is the fast and bouncy track for which Mohali is famous.

The Pakistani pacers, led by Shoaib Akhtar, hold an edge on this wicket. Indian bowlers had failed to impress here during the Champions Trophy last year.

For hard-hitting batsman Yuvraj Singh and spinner Harbhajan Singh, it will be special to perform on their home ground.

Over 150 Pakistani fans arrived in the city late on Wednesday to cheer their team.

A capacity 30,000-strong crowd is expected at the stadium to see fireworks on the field on the eve of the Hindu festival of Diwali.