ICC World Cup 2019: India Favourites to Win if Rain Doesn't Interrupt, Says Sunil Gavaskar

The arch-rivals India and Pakistan go up against each other in the ICC World Cup 2019 later today at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. Meanwhile, the weather forecast says rain might play a spoilsport in the clash of the Titans with 70 percent chances of rain. Meanwhile, former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has picked India as favourites considering that there is no loss in game time due to rain.

Gavaskar picks India as favourites

Today’s clash will be the seventh encounter between both the teams in the World Cup. So far, Pakistan is yet to beat India and will be desperate to break the record. Meanwhile, the game has already garnered a lot of attention in the wake of the Pulwama attack in February. There were claims from certain Indian sections to boycott the game, especially from cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir. But ICC has decided to go with the schedule, and it has garnered a lot of craze among the fans. The prize of the tickets are also on an all-time high and has received the most number of applications.

Also read: ICC World Cup 2019: ACB Dares Mohammad Shahzad to Clear Fitness Test to Prove His Claims

Sunil Gavaskar predicted India as the winner for the epic clash in his column for ICC. However, the legendary batsman also added that for that to happen, it has to be a full 50 overs of action. In addition, Gavaskar noted that if rain plays killjoy, then any result is possible at Manchester. Meanwhile, he is currently in England with his commentary commitments in the World Cup.

“If it’s a proper 50-overs game I think India have the strength to win,” said Gavaskar. But if gets truncated, if it’s a game that gets reduced to 30 overs or less, anything can happen,” he added.

Also read: Promising Signs As Weather In Manchester Looks Fine Ahead Of India-Pakistan Clash

Must win clash for Pakistan – Gavaskar

Meanwhile, it will be a must-win clash for Pakistan reckons Sunil Gavaskar. Sarfraz Ahmed & Co have won only one match playing four games while another attracted no result with rain forcing the umpires to call off the tie. As a result, they are currently at the ninth spot in the points table and will have to turn things around soon to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

“It’s a must-win game for them (Pakistan). If they don’t win tomorrow, it’ll be very tough,” Gavaskar said. “Pakistan have had a bit of a stumble so far so there’s probably a bit more pressure on them,” he concluded.