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It will be bat vs ball, literally
As India takes on Pakistan on Wednesday, here are some of the key clashes in the World Cup semi-final to look out for
Umar Gul vs Sachin Tendulkar
Tendulkar (379 runs @ 54.14), the world's greatest batsman, is fiercely focused and determined in what is likely to be his final chance to play in a World Cup winning side. He has scored two hundreds and has a maximum two chances left at this tournament to record a 100th international century before a home crowd.
Gul (14 wickets, economy rate 3.86) does not have the high profile of other Pakistan pace bowlers, including his team mate Shoaib Akhtar, but he has become a consummately skilled operator. Strong and lively, Gul is dangerous with the new ball and a master of reverse swing with the old.
Battle between two big-match players
Shahid Afridi vs Yuvraj Singh
Afridi (21/3.48) has swept all before him with his cleverly assorted mixture of quick leg-spinners, googlies and top-spinners, including 4-34 against the quick-footed Sri Lankans.
India must find an effective counter and the prolific Yuvraj (341/113.66), may be the man. As a left-hander, Yuvraj starts with an natural advantage and his all-round abilities have gathered him four man-of-the-match awards.
Zaheer will test Kamran
Zaheer Khan vs Kamran Akmal
Zaheer (17/4.47) is the best and most versatile of the Indian bowlers. The left-armer swings the new ball dangerously, contains in the middle overs and finds reverse swing at the end.
Kamran, (188/37.60) whose failings with the gloves have been well-documented, has been given a licence to attack at the start of the innings, a role he has performed with some success.
Younis needs to come good against Bhajji
Harbhajan Singh vs Younis Khan
Harbhajan (6/4.43) has played a containing rather than an attacking role but remains the best of the Indian spinners. Younis (172/34.20) is a supreme technician against all types of bowling who supplies ballast to a fragile middle-order.
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