Temptation to chase at Motera

Toss is vital as batting is easier in second innings which could influence the decision of both the skippers

- Somshuvra Laha

There hasn't been a single 300-plus score in Ahmedabad in the World Cup. Three out of four matches, the team batting second won. The pitch has been trickier to score off at the beginning, with the first Powerplays producing 51, 49, 48 and 41 runs so far. But scores of 81, 79, 38 and 57 in the second innings make it abundantly clear that the pitch becomes relatively easier to bat on as the day progresses. Australia have a 2-1 edge over India in World Cup knockouts this century; the only defeat, incidentally, coming at Ahmedabad in the 2011 quarter-final when Yuvraj Singh prevailed in a thrilling chase with a resilient fifty. With both sides lining up again, this time for the World Cup trophy, will history repeat itself?

Tricky toss

It's an age-old dilemma - put runs on the scoreboard or back yourself to chase if you win the toss. India haven't chased since the league game against New Zealand on October 22, whereas Australia are fresh off a tricky semi-final against South Africa where they blasted 74 in the first 10 overs. In fact, both the wins prior to that came off chases as well, in contrasting style no less. Against Bangladesh, Mitchell Marsh came at No.3 to score an unbeaten 177 in an eight-wicket win. Before that, Australia seemed down and out against Afghanistan at 91/7 before Glenn Maxwell battled debilitating cramp to hit 201* off 128 balls in an astonishing victory. If India win the toss, there could be a temptation to put Australia in for a change.