Formbook favours Pakistan
It can be dangerous to rely on past form to predict the outcome of a series, especially one involving as much pride and passion as India against Pakistan.
PAKISTAN v INDIA ODIs
In Pakistan:
Pak: 10, India 3, NR 2
In India:
Pak 10, India 4
Neutral territory:
Pak 32, India 23, NR 2
But as India last played in Pakistan in 1997, and the two sides have met just once in the last four years, there is little else to go on.
After Pakistan confirm the fixture list for the tour, BBC Sport looks to the stats for an idea of who might come out on top in the one-day series.
1ST ODI, KARACHI, 13 MARCH
The two sides have played at Karachi three times in the past, with a victory each and one abandoned match.
Most recently, India scored a four-wicket victory in 1997/98, but the current Pakistan side boasts more stars from that match than the tourists.
Shahid Afridi, who opened the innings with 72 from 56 balls, and Inzamam-ul-Haq, who made 74, give Pakistan the edge over India, for whom Sourav Ganguly made 89 in that match.
Verdict: Pakistan win (Series 1-0).
2ND ODI, RAWALPINDI, 16 MARCH
Pakistan have a winning record of 77% at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while India have never played there.
Ganguly could prosper, if he wins the toss
However, even though the hosts have won five of the seven day/night matches at this venue there is a starker statistic.
Of those seven games completed under lights, six have been won by the side batting second, making the toss crucial.
To replicate most important conditions exactly, we tossed a coin. India won and reaped the rewards.
In the majority of those wins, the highest scorer has batted at either three or four, which is good news for Ganguly or VVS Laxman.
Verdict: India win (Series 1-1).
3RD ODI, PESHAWAR, 19 MARCH
The home side do not have a strong record at Arbab Niaz Stadium, with four wins in eight matches, but again India have never made a one-day appearance in the city.
Saqlain has enjoyed past success in Peshawar
However, every potential tie-breaker falls in Pakistan's favour.
Of 15 one-day internationals they have played against India at home, they have won 10 and lost three.
Adjusted for a 50-over match, India's average score is 224, with their average total conceded 267.
Against all countries, India's form away from home is equally poor, with 98 losses in 161 matches dating back to 1974.
Spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has taken seven wickets in Pakistan's last two matches at the ground, and will be looking for more success.
Verdict: Pakistan win (series 2-1).
4TH ODI, LAHORE, 21 MARCH
These two sides have played three times in Lahore in the past, and Pakistan have won all three.
Pace men like Shoaib rule in Lahore
The Gadaffi Stadium has traditionally been a fortress for the home side, and they boast 23 wins from 34 one-day matches.
Also in their favour is the fact that they have not lost any of the six matches since floodlights became a fixture in 2000.
In five games at the ground in the last 12 months, pace bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Sami have taken eight wickets each.
Verdict: Pakistan win (series 3-1)
5TH ODI, LAHORE, 24 MARCH
With the series already decided, the last match is an opportunity to throw the form book out of the window.
Pathan could be key in a consolation win
With their vaunted batting line-up, India are too strong to concede a series with a whimper and they could rescue some pride, and a fillip for the Test series, in this final match.
However, wicket-takers rule at this ground, and once of India's fast men - Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra or Irfan Pathan - will have to step up to complete the job.
Verdict: India win (series 3-2)
Linear Mode
gupshup
unplugged
society
arts & cul
features
services
