The cricketing world is exciting as India and Pakistan prepare to renew their storied rivalry in the ICC T20 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024. The match will take place on June 9 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium near New York City. It is a historic game, the first encounter between the two cricketing giants on American soil. Fans and the broader cricket community are eagerly awaiting this high-octane clash.
India enters the match after a commanding victory over Ireland. On the other hand, Pakistan seeks redemption after a surprising defeat to the United States in their opening game. This fixture, steeped in history and intense competition, is pivotal in the tournament.
Probable Playing XI
India:
Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
Pakistan:
Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammed Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
Key Players
Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Jasprit Bumrah's return to form has been a boost for India. His performance against Ireland was a testament to his bowling prowess, taking two crucial wickets and maintaining tight control. Bumrah's skill set suits the bowler-friendly conditions expected at the New York pitch. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations makes him a key player for India in this match against Pakistan.
Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
Despite a less-than-stellar performance against the host team, Shaheen Afridi remains a leading figure in Pakistan's lineup. His height and pace can be formidable. His ability to exploit any uneven bounce on the New York pitch could pose challenges for Indian batsmen. Afridi's performance will be crucial for Pakistan, mainly if he can find his rhythm early and deliver breakthroughs in the powerplay.
Match Prediction
India heads into this match as favourites, bolstered by their recent form and balanced squad. Their victory over Ireland showcased their strengths in both batting and bowling. Rohit Sharma is a clear leader in a team full of match-winners. Players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah will play pivotal roles. Their experience in handling pressure could be decisive.