When India meets minnows United Arab Emirate on Saturday in Pool B of World Cup only statistics at WACA (Perth) can give an upset result otherwise for all practical purposes the out come of the match is a foregone conclusion.
India is sitting at the top of the table having beaten its tough opponents Pakistan and South Africa quit comprehensively.
India will play their next two matches at Perth, supposed to be one of the fastest wickets. India has so far played 11 matches at this venue and unfortunately only four results have gone in her favor.
Only a month ago, India played here against England in the 2015 Cartlon Mid Tri-series and lost by three wickets. With a loss that denied India a birth in final, a disappointing tour had finally come to an end.
Since UAE is weaker side, Perth will give India a luxury of playing some of the players who have been warming the bench so far.
While Mohit Sharma's performances against both Pakistan and South Africa have ensured he stays as the third seamer, Stuart Binny would be a prospect to ponder should India decide to rest either Umesh Yadav or Shami.
Saturday game would also show to which extent has Bhuvneshwar recovered from his injury.
Bhuvneshwar is being eased into bowling in the nets, and India's two practice sessions scheduled at the WACA on Wednesday and Friday will go a long way to determine his fitness. Even if he isn't deemed match-fit for the UAE game, India would be hoping they get positive news from the physio ahead of their match against West Indies on March 6.
West Indies have scored over 300 runs in each of their first three games and despite a shock defeat to Ireland in their opening fixture, they have come back to stay in contention for the quarter-finals. Chris Gayle's record-setting 215 against Zimbabwe has cautioned teams.
Shikhar Dhawan's robust return to form in the first two games has steadied the Indian batting order at the top, and even though they would like Rohit to return to his scoring best, they looked convincing against strong bowling attacks of Pakistan and South Africa.
