Pakistan and India are set to clash in a highly-anticipated encounter in New York on 9th of June and this time on America’s soil and on a newly-built Nassau County Stadium.
The match carries extra weight due to Pakistan’s shocking loss to USA and India’s comfortable win against Ireland.
In the last contest between the two sides in the 2022 T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli emerged as a hero as India thumped Pakistan – claiming victory from the jaws of defeat.
On the other hand, when Pakistan bested the game against India in 2021, Pakistan’s pacer particularly Shaheen Shah Afridi was on song.
So, an exciting contest awaits as Pakistan’s pace attack will meet India’s batting prowess at a venue which is a bowling friendly.
Team Overview:
India will head into this encounter with immense confidence and pride, they have a better record against their arch-rivals, effortlessly bested the game against Ireland, players are in-form, and know how to perform under the pump.
Virat Kohli in particular has a staggering record against Pakistan. In the T20 World Cup, Kohli has amassed 308 runs in 5 innings at a strike rate of 132. Surprisingly, he is only dismissed once in these 5 innings that too by Pakistan’s eagle Shaheen in the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup.
Moreover, this game will be a test for Shivam Dube, who is left-handed batsman and is famous for being a good player of the spin, particularly in the middle-overs. Initially, he was not a good fast bowling player but over time he has worked on his weakness and averaged 44 with a strike rate of 164 against pace in IPL 2024.
India also keeps the potent bowling attack which surely can keep the Pakistan batters at bay. Bumrah is in red-hot form and his new bowling combined with pace can disturb the stumps of any batter in the world, let alone the Pakistani batters.
Pakistan will be in shock and low morale as they were handed defeat by the USA that too in a super over. The Green Shirts have not played good T20 cricket off late and it was evident the way they played against the likes of USA.
Nevertheless, Pakistan lost to Zimbabwe in the 2022 T20 World Cup and then found a way to feature in the final of the event.
Pakistan will have to play extra smart cricket to get better of India. Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, will have to lead from the front as he is the key batter in the lineup.
The return of Imad Wasim will also boost the confidence of Pakistan team as his bowling was immaculate in this PSL season, against Ireland, and England. And his presence also provides the team with batting depth.
Shaheen Shah and Naseem Shah will have to play a crucial role as their new ball bowling skills will be handy in drawing the wickets of the India’s opener
Pitch and weather report:
A low scoring match is expected as it presents a unique challenge with drop-in pitches that have not settled as yet. Past matches have been low scoring games with unpredictable bounce and slow outfield – favouring the bowlers.
A little bit rainy shower is expected on Sunday morning in New York
Head-to-head records:
A total of seven matches (in the World Cups) have been played between the two sides and India have won 6 of them whereas Pakistan stood victorious in one game that came in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Predictions:
Although it is hard to predict anything when Pakistan plays, given India’s rich form and strong head-to-head combination, India will win this game.
Where to watch:
Pakistan – PTV Sports, Ten Sports, Myco (Live streaming), Tamasha app (Live streaming), Tapmad (live streaming)
India – Star Sports
England – SkySport Network
USA and Canada (Willow TV)
Caribbean – ESPN Caribbean
New Zealand & Australia – Sky Sports NZ, Prime Video
UK & Northern Ireland – Sky Sports
Sri Lanka – Maharaja TV
Other regions – SuperSport, Sirasa, CricLife, STARZPLAY
