India and Pakistan will clash on February 15 in Colombo in T20 World Cup.
The match has the same weight as always, but this time, Pakistan arrives with more confidence in their own conditions and momentum. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Karthik warned that India's batting could be tested on Colombo's slower pitches.
"Tomorrow will be one of India's biggest challenges against Pakistan in recent memory. Pakistan starts as close as they've ever been in a game, going up against India in terms of their familiarity with the conditions. They have a better chance of pushing India than at any other time in the near past. India's batting will be the one tested more in the Colombo conditions.
India's batting against spin on pitches that are slow and hold a bit hasn't been as good as it is on flatter pitches. There is a stark difference in numbers. That's an area India will be wary about," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
Pakistan trails 1-7 in the T20 World Cups against India, with their only win coming in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. However, they have done well in the ongoing edition of the tournament, with wins over the Netherlands and the USA.
A significant role could be Pakistan's bowling danger in Colombo, particularly with the mystery spinner. Usman Tariq. Tariq's variations might be a game-changer on slow, gripping pitches, especially against an Indian batting lineup that has appeared a lot more at ease on flatter surfaces.
On the other hand, India has also won their first two games, against the USA and Namibia.