The countdown to the mother of all matches, India versus Pakisstan, has begun as cricket’s fiercest rivals will today come face to face in a highly electrifying T-20 World Cup (WC) 2024 match for the first time in the United States, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.
The match, to be played at Nassau County Cricket Stadium, Long Island, New York, will start at 7:30 PM Pakistan time.
The stadium has the capacity to accommodate 34,000 spectators.
Today’s encounter is a do-or-die for Pakistan which has already lost to the USA in its opening match that stunned all and sundry.
And in order to keep its chances of progress in the tournament alive, it must win today’s match.
Unlike team Pakistan which suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the nascent USA in the super-over, the Rohit Sharma-led side is coming into this match after beating Ireland by eight wickets.
And although India have an edge over Pakistan due to their recent form, they know fully well their arch-rivals cannot be taken for granted.
Unprecedented security arrangements have been made in Long Island ahead of the start of the match.
51 per cent chance of rain during match
On the other hand, there is a high possibility of rain in New York on Sunday, which may spoil the show, although temporarily.
The weather department has predicted that there is 51 per cent chance of rain at 11 AM local time which is an hour after the start of the match.
But since it's a day game, extra time is likely to be allotted if the rain delays the proceedings.
Pakistani spectators pin hopes on their team
Pakistanis, living in New York and elsewhere in the USA, expect their team to perform and outclass team India today.
The same enthusiasm is being witnessed back home in Pakistan where people look up to their team that today it will make up for the loss to the USA team in the opening match.
Just like other parts of the country, there is ecstasy everywhere in Gujranwala, the city known for its wrestlers.
As only a few hours are left before the start of a high-voltage Pakistan-India encounter in the T-20 Cricket World Cup being played simultaneously in the USA and West Indies, crucial changes have been made to team Pakistan.
The management has decided to drop batsman Azam Khan and pacer Muhammad Amir and play Saim Ayub and Ibrar Ahmad in their place instead.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to watch the match
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Naqvi, too, will watch India-Pakistan T-20 Cricket World Cup (WC) match, which will be played at Nassau County Cricket Stadium, Long Island, New York today, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.
Naqvi, who is also the country’s interior minister, will also meet with the members of the team before the start of the match.
Reporters: Javed Iqbal, Zahid Iqbal Rana